US Bridges

Drawbridge RD over Middletown Branch

Good

Dorchester County, Maryland · 4.45 MI SE of US RTE 50 · Structure no. 200000D-0003020

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
30 ft
Daily traffic
634
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Drawbridge RD over Middletown Branch is a steel culvert carrying Drawbridge RD over Middletown Branch in Dorchester County, Maryland. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 75 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 634 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 942 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDrawbridge RD
CrossesMiddletown Branch
Location4.45 MI SE of US RTE 50
RouteCounty Highway 177
CountyDorchester County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.50399, -75.95157
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 inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic634 (2023)
Projected traffic942 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$34,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Drawbridge RD over Middletown Branch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is Drawbridge RD over Middletown 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Drawbridge RD over Middletown Branch carry?

About 634 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Drawbridge RD over Middletown Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns Drawbridge RD over Middletown Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.