US Bridges

Md 222 over Happy Valley Branch

Fair

Cecil County, Maryland · 1.52 Mile North of Md 275 · Structure no. 100000070064030

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
28 ft
Daily traffic
2,701
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 222 over Happy Valley Branch is a steel culvert carrying Md 222 over Happy Valley Branch in Cecil County, Maryland. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 2,701 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,113 by 2026. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 222
CrossesHappy Valley Branch
Location1.52 Mile North of Md 275
RouteState Highway 222
CountyCecil County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.60191, -76.09415
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,701 (2013)
Projected traffic3,113 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$375,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 222 over Happy Valley Branch built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 222 over Happy Valley 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Md 222 over Happy Valley Branch carry?

About 2,701 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 222 over Happy Valley Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns Md 222 over Happy Valley Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.