US Bridges

Md 26 over Liberty Reservoir

Fair

Carroll County, Maryland · 1.04 M W of Balto CO Line · Structure no. 100000060001010

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
985 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
20,192
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 26 over Liberty Reservoir is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Md 26 over Liberty Reservoir in Carroll County, Maryland. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 71 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 20,192 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,235 by 2026. The structure is 985 ft (300.2 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 26
CrossesLiberty Reservoir
Location1.04 M W of Balto CO Line
RouteState Highway 26
CountyCarroll County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.39536, -76.90703
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating99.4 US tons
Inventory rating59.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans13
Design loadHS 20
Structure length985 ft (300.2 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,192 (2009)
Projected traffic23,235 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 26 over Liberty Reservoir built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is Md 26 over Liberty Reservoir 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 2023.

How much traffic does Md 26 over Liberty Reservoir carry?

About 20,192 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 26 over Liberty Reservoir?

The structure is 985 ft (300.2 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Md 26 over Liberty Reservoir?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.