US Bridges

Md 550 over Dorcus Branch

Fair

Frederick County, Maryland · 0.74 Mile South of Md 194 · Structure no. 100000100095010

Built
1925
100 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,541
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 550 over Dorcus Branch is a concrete slab carrying Md 550 over Dorcus Branch in Frederick County, Maryland. It was built in 1925, so it is 100 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 3,541 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,313 by 2026. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 550
CrossesDorcus Branch
Location0.74 Mile South of Md 194
RouteState Highway 550
CountyFrederick County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.52713, -77.29979
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,541 (2009)
Projected traffic4,313 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$40,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 550 over Dorcus Branch built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 550 over Dorcus Branch 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 2024.

How much traffic does Md 550 over Dorcus Branch carry?

About 3,541 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 550 over Dorcus Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Md 550 over Dorcus Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.