US Bridges

Sheppard Lane over Middle Patuxent River

Good

Howard County, Maryland · 0.6 MI N of Md RTE 108 · Structure no. 200000HO0008010

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,027
2002 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sheppard Lane over Middle Patuxent River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sheppard Lane over Middle Patuxent River in Howard County, Maryland. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 3,027 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,600 by 2011. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesSheppard Lane
CrossesMiddle Patuxent River
Location0.6 MI N of Md RTE 108
RouteCounty Highway 80
CountyHoward County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.22631, -76.93614
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating96.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,027 (2002)
Projected traffic3,600 by 2011
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sheppard Lane over Middle Patuxent River built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sheppard Lane over Middle Patuxent River 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Sheppard Lane over Middle Patuxent River carry?

About 3,027 vehicles per day (2002 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Sheppard Lane over Middle Patuxent River?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Sheppard Lane over Middle Patuxent River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.