US Bridges

Md 97 over Cattail Creek

Fair

Howard County, Maryland · 1.31 Miles N of Mont CO · Structure no. 100000130037010

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
13,200
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 97 over Cattail Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Md 97 over Cattail Creek in Howard County, Maryland. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 98 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.

It carries about 13,200 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,493 by 2026. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 97
CrossesCattail Creek
Location1.31 Miles N of Mont CO
RouteState Highway 97
CountyHoward County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.25603, -77.05127
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,200 (2009)
Projected traffic14,493 by 2026
Trucks8%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$77,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 97 over Cattail Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is Md 97 over Cattail 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Md 97 over Cattail Creek carry?

About 13,200 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 97 over Cattail Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Md 97 over Cattail Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.