US Bridges

Md 97 over South Branch Patapsco Ri

Fair

Carroll County, Maryland · On Howard CO Line · Structure no. 100000060029010

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
114 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,770
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 97 over South Branch Patapsco Ri is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Md 97 over South Branch Patapsco Ri in Carroll County, Maryland. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 8,770 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,550 by 2026. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 97
CrossesSouth Branch Patapsco Ri
LocationOn Howard CO Line
RouteState Highway 97
CountyCarroll County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.35239, -77.01578
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.5 US tons
Inventory rating40.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,770 (2009)
Projected traffic10,550 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$177,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 97 over South Branch Patapsco Ri built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 97 over South Branch Patapsco Ri 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 2024.

How much traffic does Md 97 over South Branch Patapsco Ri carry?

About 8,770 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 97 over South Branch Patapsco Ri?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Md 97 over South Branch Patapsco Ri?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.