US Bridges

Md 97 over Piney Branch

Fair

Carroll County, Maryland · 2.42 MI S of Md 850H · Structure no. 100000060064020

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
Daily traffic
8,770
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 97 over Piney Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Md 97 over Piney Branch in Carroll County, Maryland. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesMd 97
CrossesPiney Branch
Location2.42 MI S of Md 850H
RouteState Highway 97
CountyCarroll County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.39555, -77.01785
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans0
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.6 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 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 closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 97 over Piney Branch built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 97 over Piney Branch 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Md 97 over Piney Branch carry?

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

How long is Md 97 over Piney Branch?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns Md 97 over Piney Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.