US Bridges

Md 31 over Sams Creek

Fair

Carroll County, Maryland · On Frederick CO Line · Structure no. 100000060008010

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
43 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,611
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 31 over Sams Creek is a concrete slab carrying Md 31 over Sams Creek in Carroll County, Maryland. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 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 2,611 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,287 by 2026. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 31
CrossesSams Creek
LocationOn Frederick CO Line
RouteState Highway 31
CountyCarroll County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.5092, -77.12901
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.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,611 (2009)
Projected traffic3,287 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$77,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 31 over Sams Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 31 over Sams Creek 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Md 31 over Sams Creek carry?

About 2,611 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 31 over Sams Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Md 31 over Sams Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.