US Bridges

US 40 over Branch of Rock Creek

Fair

Frederick County, Maryland · .036 Mile East of US 40AL · Structure no. 100000100035020

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
Daily traffic
47,332
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 40 over Branch of Rock Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 40 over Branch of Rock Creek in Frederick County, Maryland. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1966, so it is 78 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 47,332 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 55,761 by 2026. The structure is 43 ft (13.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 40
CrossesBranch of Rock Creek
Location.036 Mile East of US 40AL
RouteU.S. Route 40
Coordinates39.41918, -77.45982
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.5 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadH 20
Structure length43 ft (13.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic47,332 (2009)
Projected traffic55,761 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 US 40 over Branch of Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.

What condition is US 40 over Branch of Rock 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 US 40 over Branch of Rock Creek carry?

About 47,332 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 40 over Branch of Rock Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 40 over Branch of Rock Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.