US Bridges

Democracy Boulevar over Buck Branch Tributary

Fair

Montgomery County, Maryland · 1.5 Miles East of Md 189 · Structure no. 200000M-0237030

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
28 ft
Daily traffic
16,800
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Democracy Boulevar over Buck Branch Tributary is a steel culvert carrying Democracy Boulevar over Buck Branch Tributary in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 16,800 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,200 by 2044. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDemocracy Boulevar
CrossesBuck Branch Tributary
Location1.5 Miles East of Md 189
RouteCounty Highway 166
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.0234, -77.17844
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,800 (2024)
Projected traffic19,200 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Democracy Boulevar over Buck Branch Tributary built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Democracy Boulevar over Buck Branch Tributary 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 Democracy Boulevar over Buck Branch Tributary carry?

About 16,800 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Democracy Boulevar over Buck Branch Tributary?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns Democracy Boulevar over Buck Branch Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.