US Bridges

Md 480 over Forge Branch

Fair

Caroline County, Maryland · 1.88 Mile West of Md 314 · Structure no. 100000050019010

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
55 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,261
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 480 over Forge Branch is a concrete arch - deck carrying Md 480 over Forge Branch in Caroline County, Maryland. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 4,261 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,224 by 2026. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesMd 480
CrossesForge Branch
Location1.88 Mile West of Md 314
RouteState Highway 480
CountyCaroline County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.95411, -75.8291
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,261 (2009)
Projected traffic5,224 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 480 over Forge Branch built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 480 over Forge 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Md 480 over Forge Branch carry?

About 4,261 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 480 over Forge Branch?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Md 480 over Forge Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.