US Bridges

Md 97 over Big Pipe Creek

Fair

Carroll County, Maryland · 3.35 Mile North of Md 496 · Structure no. 100000060031040

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Frame
Concrete Continuous
Length
79 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15,340
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 97 over Big Pipe Creek is a concrete continuous frame carrying Md 97 over Big Pipe Creek in Carroll County, Maryland. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 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 15,340 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,872 by 2026. The structure is 79 ft (24 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 97
CrossesBig Pipe Creek
Location3.35 Mile North of Md 496
RouteState Highway 97
CountyCarroll County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.66716, -77.01977
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
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 inspectionOctober 2024
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
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating24.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length79 ft (24 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,340 (2009)
Projected traffic17,872 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 97 over Big Pipe Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 97 over Big Pipe 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Md 97 over Big Pipe Creek carry?

About 15,340 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 97 over Big Pipe Creek?

The structure is 79 ft (24 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Md 97 over Big Pipe Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.