US Bridges

Old Telegraph RD over Sandy Branch

Fair

Cecil County, Maryland · 0.35 MI S of Bunker Hi RD · Structure no. 200000CE0034010

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
948
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Telegraph RD over Sandy Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old Telegraph RD over Sandy Branch in Cecil County, Maryland. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 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 948 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,280 by 2043. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesOld Telegraph RD
CrossesSandy Branch
Location0.35 MI S of Bunker Hi RD
RouteCounty Highway 317
CountyCecil County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.4604, -75.77391
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating70.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic948 (2023)
Projected traffic1,280 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Telegraph RD over Sandy Branch built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Telegraph RD over Sandy 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 Old Telegraph RD over Sandy Branch carry?

About 948 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Old Telegraph RD over Sandy Branch?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Old Telegraph RD over Sandy Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.