US Bridges

Democracy Boulevar over Buck Branch

Fair

Montgomery County, Maryland · 2 Miles East of Md 189 · Structure no. 200000M-0240020

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
48 ft
Daily traffic
16,780
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Democracy Boulevar over Buck Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Democracy Boulevar over Buck Branch in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 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 16,780 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,170 by 2044. The structure is 48 ft (14.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDemocracy Boulevar
CrossesBuck Branch
Location2 Miles East of Md 189
RouteCounty Highway 166
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.02236, -77.17294
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating91.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadHS 20
Structure length48 ft (14.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,780 (2022)
Projected traffic19,170 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 built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is Democracy Boulevar over Buck 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 2024.

How much traffic does Democracy Boulevar over Buck Branch carry?

About 16,780 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Democracy Boulevar over Buck Branch?

The structure is 48 ft (14.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Democracy Boulevar over Buck Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.