US Bridges

Middle Neck Road over Sandy Branch

Fair

Cecil County, Maryland · 0.05 East of Old Tele RD · Structure no. 200000CE0117010

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
521
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Middle Neck Road over Sandy Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Middle Neck Road over Sandy Branch in Cecil County, Maryland. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 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 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 521 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 640 by 2044. The structure is 33 ft (10.2 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

No coordinates are recorded for this structure.

CarriesMiddle Neck Road
CrossesSandy Branch
Location0.05 East of Old Tele RD
RouteCounty Highway 322
CountyCecil County
StateMaryland
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84 US tons
Inventory rating50.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic521 (2024)
Projected traffic640 by 2044
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$6,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Middle Neck Road over Sandy Branch built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is Middle Neck Road 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Middle Neck Road over Sandy Branch carry?

About 521 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Middle Neck Road over Sandy Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Middle Neck Road over Sandy Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.