US Bridges

US 301 over Charles Branch

Fair

Prince George's County, Maryland · 0.24 Mile South of Md 382 · Structure no. 100000160055030

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
59 ft
Daily traffic
31,962
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 301 over Charles Branch is a steel culvert carrying US 301 over Charles Branch in Prince George's County, Maryland. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 75 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 31,962 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 35,330 by 2026. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 301
CrossesCharles Branch
Location0.24 Mile South of Md 382
RouteU.S. Route 301
Coordinates38.78282, -76.79615
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 loadH 20
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic31,962 (2009)
Projected traffic35,330 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 US 301 over Charles Branch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is US 301 over Charles 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US 301 over Charles Branch carry?

About 31,962 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 301 over Charles Branch?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns US 301 over Charles Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.