US Bridges

Md 646 over Broad Creek

Fair

Harford County, Maryland · 0.77 Mile North of Md 543 · Structure no. 100000120057010

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
68 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,140
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 646 over Broad Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Md 646 over Broad Creek in Harford County, Maryland. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 92 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 1,140 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,234 by 2026. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

No coordinates are recorded for this structure.

CarriesMd 646
CrossesBroad Creek
Location0.77 Mile North of Md 543
RouteState Highway 646
CountyHarford County
StateMaryland
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,140 (2009)
Projected traffic1,234 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 646 over Broad Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Md 646 over Broad 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Md 646 over Broad Creek carry?

About 1,140 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 646 over Broad Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Md 646 over Broad Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.