US Bridges

Md 291 over Mills Branch

Fair

Kent County, Maryland · 0.19 Mile West of US 301 · Structure no. 100000140014010

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,961
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 291 over Mills Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying Md 291 over Mills Branch in Kent County, Maryland. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 91 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 2,961 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,623 by 2026. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 291
CrossesMills Branch
Location0.19 Mile West of US 301
RouteState Highway 290
CountyKent County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.26484, -75.86746
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.5 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,961 (2009)
Projected traffic3,623 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 291 over Mills Branch built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is Md 291 over Mills 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Md 291 over Mills Branch carry?

About 2,961 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 291 over Mills Branch?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Md 291 over Mills Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.