US Bridges

Ford Road over Clifford Branch

Good

Frederick County, Maryland · 0.6 MI W Oppossumtown Pik · Structure no. 200000F-2110010

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
414
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ford Road over Clifford Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ford Road over Clifford Branch in Frederick County, Maryland. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger than the Maryland average of 52.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 414 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 450 by 2044. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesFord Road
CrossesClifford Branch
Location0.6 MI W Oppossumtown Pik
RouteCounty Highway 179
CountyFrederick County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.48661, -77.44034
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86 US tons
Inventory rating51.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic414 (2024)
Projected traffic450 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Ford Road over Clifford Branch built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ford Road over Clifford Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does Ford Road over Clifford Branch carry?

About 414 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ford Road over Clifford Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Ford Road over Clifford Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.