US Bridges

US 1 over Bealmear Branch

Fair

Howard County, Maryland · 0.46 Mile North of Md 100 · Structure no. 100000130002010

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35,932
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 1 over Bealmear Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying US 1 over Bealmear Branch in Howard County, Maryland. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 96 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 35,932 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,588 by 2026. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 117 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 1
CrossesBealmear Branch
Location0.46 Mile North of Md 100
RouteU.S. Route 1
CountyHoward County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.1929, -76.75027
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 inspectionMay 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width117 ft (35.8 m)
Roadway width115 ft (35.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,932 (2009)
Projected traffic40,588 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$180,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 1 over Bealmear Branch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is US 1 over Bealmear 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 1 over Bealmear Branch carry?

About 35,932 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 1 over Bealmear Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 117 ft wide.

Who owns US 1 over Bealmear Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.