US Bridges

Md 306 over Houston Branch

Fair

Caroline County, Maryland · 0.1 M W of Turner Road · Structure no. 100000050031030

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
282
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 306 over Houston Branch is a steel culvert carrying Md 306 over Houston Branch in Caroline County, Maryland. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 282 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 522 by 2026. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 306
CrossesHouston Branch
Location0.1 M W of Turner Road
RouteState Highway 306
CountyCaroline County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.73288, -75.72914
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic282 (2009)
Projected traffic522 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 306 over Houston Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 306 over Houston 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Md 306 over Houston Branch carry?

About 282 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 306 over Houston Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m).

Who owns Md 306 over Houston Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.