US Bridges

Hornets Nest Road over Friends Creek

Poor

Frederick County, Maryland · 2.0 Miles W of Riffle RD · Structure no. 200000F-0522030

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
39 ft
Daily traffic
179
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hornets Nest Road over Friends Creek is a steel culvert carrying Hornets Nest Road over Friends Creek in Frederick County, Maryland. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger than the Maryland average of 52.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 179 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 220 by 2042. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

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CarriesHornets Nest Road
CrossesFriends Creek
Location2.0 Miles W of Riffle RD
RouteCounty Highway 24
CountyFrederick County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.71736, -77.39238
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating63.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span3 ft (0.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic179 (2022)
Projected traffic220 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hornets Nest Road over Friends Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hornets Nest Road over Friends Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does Hornets Nest Road over Friends Creek carry?

About 179 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Hornets Nest Road over Friends Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 3 ft (0.9 m).

Who owns Hornets Nest Road over Friends Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.