US Bridges

Md 304 over Mason Branch

Fair

Caroline County, Maryland · On Queen Annes CO Line · Structure no. 100000050018010

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
81 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,942
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 304 over Mason Branch is a concrete arch - deck carrying Md 304 over Mason Branch in Caroline County, Maryland. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 125 years old, older than the Maryland average of 52.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 2,942 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,254 by 2026. The structure is 81 ft (24.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 304
CrossesMason Branch
LocationOn Queen Annes CO Line
RouteState Highway 304A
CountyCaroline County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.0331, -75.88281
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length81 ft (24.8 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,942 (2009)
Projected traffic3,254 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$139,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 304 over Mason Branch built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is Md 304 over Mason Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does Md 304 over Mason Branch carry?

About 2,942 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 304 over Mason Branch?

The structure is 81 ft (24.8 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Md 304 over Mason Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.