US Bridges

Hess Road over Yellow Branch

FairPosted for load

Harford County, Maryland · 0.5 Miles E of Md 146 · Structure no. 200000H-0081010

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,065
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hess Road over Yellow Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Hess Road over Yellow Branch in Harford County, Maryland. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 8,065 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,845 by 2039. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHess Road
CrossesYellow Branch
Location0.5 Miles E of Md 146
RouteCounty Highway 48
CountyHarford County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.5559, -76.51767
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating36.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,065 (2019)
Projected traffic9,845 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$495,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hess Road over Yellow Branch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hess Road over Yellow 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Hess Road over Yellow Branch carry?

About 8,065 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Hess Road over Yellow Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Hess Road over Yellow Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.