US Bridges

Md 291 over Cypress Branch

Fair

Kent County, Maryland · 0.24 Mile East of Md 313 · Structure no. 100000140015010

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
57 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,841
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 291 over Cypress Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying Md 291 over Cypress Branch in Kent County, Maryland. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 1,841 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,488 by 2026. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 291
CrossesCypress Branch
Location0.24 Mile East of Md 313
RouteState Highway 291
CountyKent County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.25778, -75.83286
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,841 (2009)
Projected traffic2,488 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$100,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 291 over Cypress Branch built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 291 over Cypress 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Md 291 over Cypress Branch carry?

About 1,841 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 291 over Cypress Branch?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Md 291 over Cypress Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.