US Bridges

Md 26 over Md 97

Fair

Carroll County, Maryland · 1.52 Mile East of Md 26A · Structure no. 100000060054010

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
119 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
25,970
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 26 over Md 97 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Md 26 over Md 97 in Carroll County, Maryland. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 63 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 25,970 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,367 by 2026. The structure is 119 ft (36.3 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 26
CrossesMd 97
Location1.52 Mile East of Md 26A
RouteState Highway 26
CountyCarroll County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.43171, -77.00631
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.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating69.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length119 ft (36.3 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,970 (2009)
Projected traffic29,367 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$276,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 26 over Md 97 built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is Md 26 over Md 97 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Md 26 over Md 97 carry?

About 25,970 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 26 over Md 97?

The structure is 119 ft (36.3 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Md 26 over Md 97?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.