US Bridges

Constitution Drive over Piney Branch

Fair

Charles County, Maryland · 1 Mile West of US 301 · Structure no. 200000CH0020010

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
208
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Constitution Drive over Piney Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Constitution Drive over Piney Branch in Charles County, Maryland. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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 208 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 322 by 2039. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesConstitution Drive
CrossesPiney Branch
Location1 Mile West of US 301
RouteCounty Highway 1452
CountyCharles County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.63211, -76.93525
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic208 (2017)
Projected traffic322 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Constitution Drive over Piney Branch built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is Constitution Drive 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 Constitution Drive over Piney Branch carry?

About 208 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Constitution Drive over Piney Branch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Constitution Drive over Piney Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.