US Bridges

Old Telegraph Road over Sandy Branch

Good

Cecil County, Maryland · 0.05 MI S of Middle N RD · Structure no. 200000CE0100030

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Good
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Other
Length
26 ft
Daily traffic
361
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Telegraph Road over Sandy Branch is a other culvert carrying Old Telegraph Road over Sandy Branch in Cecil County, Maryland. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 60 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 361 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 490 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Telegraph Road
CrossesSandy Branch
Location0.05 MI S of Middle N RD
RouteCounty Highway 317
CountyCecil County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.44554, -75.77621
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 inspectionDecember 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating74.3 US tons
Inventory rating57.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialOther
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span0 ft (0 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic361 (2023)
Projected traffic490 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Road over Sandy Branch built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is Old Telegraph Road over Sandy Branch 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Old Telegraph Road over Sandy Branch carry?

About 361 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Old Telegraph Road over Sandy Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long.

Who owns Old Telegraph Road over Sandy Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.