US Bridges

Md 228 over Piney Branch

Fair

Charles County, Maryland · 1.18 M E of Pg CO Line · Structure no. 100000080030020

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
Daily traffic
39,800
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 228 over Piney Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Md 228 over Piney Branch in Charles County, Maryland. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 68 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 39,800 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,194 by 2026. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 228
CrossesPiney Branch
Location1.18 M E of Pg CO Line
RouteState Highway 228
CountyCharles County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.6524, -76.97777
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.5 US tons
Inventory rating40.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans0
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39,800 (2009)
Projected traffic40,194 by 2026
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$103,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 228 over Piney Branch built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is Md 228 over Piney 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Md 228 over Piney Branch carry?

About 39,800 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Md 228 over Piney Branch?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m).

Who owns Md 228 over Piney Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.