US Bridges

Popes Creek Road over Popes Creek

Good

Charles County, Maryland · 2 MI W US RTE 301 · Structure no. 200000CH0041010

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
500
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Popes Creek Road over Popes Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Popes Creek Road over Popes Creek in Charles County, Maryland. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger 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 500 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 550 by 2038. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPopes Creek Road
CrossesPopes Creek
Location2 MI W US RTE 301
RouteCounty Highway 194
CountyCharles County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.3971, -76.98887
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating82 US tons
Inventory rating48.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2018)
Projected traffic550 by 2038
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Popes Creek Road over Popes Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is Popes Creek Road over Popes Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Popes Creek Road over Popes Creek carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Popes Creek Road over Popes Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Popes Creek Road over Popes Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.