US Bridges

Md 277 over Big Elk Creek

Fair

Cecil County, Maryland · 0.47 Mile West of Md 316 · Structure no. 100000070045010

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
160 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,150
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 277 over Big Elk Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Md 277 over Big Elk Creek in Cecil County, Maryland. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 5 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 3,150 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,897 by 2026. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 277
CrossesBig Elk Creek
Location0.47 Mile West of Md 316
RouteState Highway 277
CountyCecil County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.65731, -75.82226
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating57.5 US tons
Inventory rating34.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,150 (2009)
Projected traffic3,897 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 277 over Big Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 277 over Big Elk 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Md 277 over Big Elk Creek carry?

About 3,150 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 277 over Big Elk Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Md 277 over Big Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.