US Bridges

Md 85 over Ballenger Creek

Fair

Frederick County, Maryland · 1.3 Miles South of Is 270 · Structure no. 100000100012010

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1950
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17,450
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 85 over Ballenger Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Md 85 over Ballenger Creek in Frederick County, Maryland. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1950, so it is 99 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 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 17,450 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,555 by 2038. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 85
CrossesBallenger Creek
Location1.3 Miles South of Is 270
RouteState Highway 85
CountyFrederick County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.36459, -77.41676
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,450 (2018)
Projected traffic17,555 by 2038
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$158,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 85 over Ballenger Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1950.

What condition is Md 85 over Ballenger Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does Md 85 over Ballenger Creek carry?

About 17,450 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 85 over Ballenger Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Md 85 over Ballenger Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.