US Bridges

Md 291 over Morgan Creek

Fair

Kent County, Maryland · 1.83 Miles East of Md 213 · Structure no. 100000140022010

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
198 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,235
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 291 over Morgan Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Md 291 over Morgan Creek in Kent County, Maryland. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 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 6,235 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,279 by 2042. The structure is 198 ft (60.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 291
CrossesMorgan Creek
Location1.83 Miles East of Md 213
RouteState Highway 291
CountyKent County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.23414, -76.03946
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.5 US tons
Inventory rating34.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length198 ft (60.4 m)
Longest span194 ft (59.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,235 (2022)
Projected traffic5,279 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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$333,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 291 over Morgan Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 291 over Morgan Creek 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 2024.

How much traffic does Md 291 over Morgan Creek carry?

About 6,235 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 291 over Morgan Creek?

The structure is 198 ft (60.4 m) long with a longest span of 194 ft (59.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Md 291 over Morgan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.