US Bridges

Md 26 over Monocacy River

Fair

Frederick County, Maryland · 0.2 Mile West of Md 194 · Structure no. 100000100025014

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
323 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,296
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 26 over Monocacy River is a steel truss - thru carrying Md 26 over Monocacy River in Frederick County, Maryland. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 93 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 16,296 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,372 by 2046. The structure is 323 ft (98.5 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 26
CrossesMonocacy River
Location0.2 Mile West of Md 194
RouteState Highway 26
CountyFrederick County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.45284, -77.37001
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 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
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating78.5 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length323 ft (98.5 m)
Longest span160 ft (48.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,296 (2024)
Projected traffic16,372 by 2046
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$607,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 26 over Monocacy River built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is Md 26 over Monocacy River 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Md 26 over Monocacy River carry?

About 16,296 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 26 over Monocacy River?

The structure is 323 ft (98.5 m) long with a longest span of 160 ft (48.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Md 26 over Monocacy River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.