US Bridges

Sunset Avenue over Forge Branch

Fair

Caroline County, Maryland · 0.9 MI East of Md 480 · Structure no. 200000CO0046030

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
46 ft
Daily traffic
2,155
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sunset Avenue over Forge Branch is a steel culvert carrying Sunset Avenue over Forge Branch in Caroline County, Maryland. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 6 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 2,155 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,900 by 2042. The structure is 46 ft (14.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSunset Avenue
CrossesForge Branch
Location0.9 MI East of Md 480
RouteCounty Highway 57
CountyCaroline County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.97878, -75.81931
Functional classRural Local

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 spans0
Design loadUnknown
Structure length46 ft (14.1 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,155 (2022)
Projected traffic2,900 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Sunset Avenue over Forge Branch built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sunset Avenue 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Sunset Avenue over Forge Branch carry?

About 2,155 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Sunset Avenue over Forge Branch?

The structure is 46 ft (14.1 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns Sunset Avenue over Forge Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.