US Bridges

Md 279 over Br of Big Elk Creek

Good

Cecil County, Maryland · 0.15 Mile North of Md 316 · Structure no. 100000070022020

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
Daily traffic
12,410
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 279 over Br of Big Elk Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Md 279 over Br of Big Elk Creek in Cecil County, Maryland. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 66 years old, older than the Maryland average of 52.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 12,410 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,830 by 2029. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesMd 279
CrossesBr of Big Elk Creek
Location0.15 Mile North of Md 316
RouteState Highway 279
Coordinates39.6222, -75.82507
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,410 (2009)
Projected traffic12,830 by 2029
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 279 over Br of Big Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is Md 279 over Br of Big Elk Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does Md 279 over Br of Big Elk Creek carry?

About 12,410 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 279 over Br of Big Elk Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Md 279 over Br of Big Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.