US Bridges

Frederick Road over Plumtree Branch

Fair

Howard County, Maryland · 1.0 MI W. of Md RTE 29 · Structure no. 200000HO0050030

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
27 ft
Daily traffic
10,927
1997 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Frederick Road over Plumtree Branch is a steel culvert carrying Frederick Road over Plumtree Branch in Howard County, Maryland. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 10,927 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,900 by 2010. The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesFrederick Road
CrossesPlumtree Branch
Location1.0 MI W. of Md RTE 29
RouteCounty Highway 278
CountyHoward County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.27281, -76.83638
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.1 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,927 (1997)
Projected traffic15,900 by 2010
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Frederick Road over Plumtree Branch built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Frederick Road over Plumtree 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Frederick Road over Plumtree Branch carry?

About 10,927 vehicles per day (1997 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Frederick Road over Plumtree Branch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns Frederick Road over Plumtree Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.