US Bridges

Hughes Shop Road over Bear Branch

Poor

Carroll County, Maryland · 0.025 MI N Pleasant Va · Structure no. 200000CL0264010

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
55 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
152
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hughes Shop Road over Bear Branch is a steel truss - thru carrying Hughes Shop Road over Bear Branch in Carroll County, Maryland. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, younger than the Maryland average of 52.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 152 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 250 by 2041. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHughes Shop Road
CrossesBear Branch
Location0.025 MI N Pleasant Va
RouteCounty Highway 81
CountyCarroll County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.63429, -77.04179
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating30.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic152 (2021)
Projected traffic250 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$114,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hughes Shop Road over Bear Branch built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hughes Shop Road over Bear Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does Hughes Shop Road over Bear Branch carry?

About 152 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Hughes Shop Road over Bear Branch?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Hughes Shop Road over Bear Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.