US Bridges

Columbia Road over Plumtree Branch

Poor

Howard County, Maryland · 0.8 Mi. North of Md. 108 · Structure no. 200000HO0147030

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
49 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,641
1999 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Columbia Road over Plumtree Branch is a steel culvert carrying Columbia Road over Plumtree Branch in Howard County, Maryland. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger than the Maryland average of 52.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 8,641 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,600 by 2015. The structure is 49 ft (15 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesColumbia Road
CrossesPlumtree Branch
Location0.8 Mi. North of Md. 108
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHoward County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.24998, -76.83462
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating83.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length49 ft (15 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,641 (1999)
Projected traffic8,600 by 2015
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
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 Columbia Road over Plumtree Branch built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Columbia Road over Plumtree Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does Columbia Road over Plumtree Branch carry?

About 8,641 vehicles per day (1999 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Columbia Road over Plumtree Branch?

The structure is 49 ft (15 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m).

Who owns Columbia Road over Plumtree Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.