US Bridges

US 301 NB over Sassafras River

Fair

Kent County, Maryland · On Cecil County Line · Structure no. 100000140004011

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
125 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,552
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 301 NB over Sassafras River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 301 NB over Sassafras River in Kent County, Maryland. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 70 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 11,552 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,499 by 2044. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 301 NB
CrossesSassafras River
LocationOn Cecil County Line
RouteU.S. Route 301
CountyKent County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.37772, -75.80738
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.5 US tons
Inventory rating38.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,552 (2024)
Projected traffic16,499 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 US 301 NB over Sassafras River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is US 301 NB over Sassafras River 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 US 301 NB over Sassafras River carry?

About 11,552 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 301 NB over Sassafras River?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US 301 NB over Sassafras River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.