US Bridges

Md 197 over Br of Patuxent River

Fair

Prince George's County, Maryland · 1.9 Miles South of Md 198 · Structure no. 100000160207020

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
Daily traffic
44,222
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 197 over Br of Patuxent River is a concrete culvert carrying Md 197 over Br of Patuxent River in Prince George's County, Maryland. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 1976, so it is 56 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 44,222 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 57,446 by 2026. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesMd 197
CrossesBr of Patuxent River
Location1.9 Miles South of Md 198
RouteState Highway 197
Coordinates39.07042, -76.84337
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (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 traffic44,222 (2009)
Projected traffic57,446 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 Md 197 over Br of Patuxent River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

What condition is Md 197 over Br of Patuxent River 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Md 197 over Br of Patuxent River carry?

About 44,222 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 197 over Br of Patuxent River?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Md 197 over Br of Patuxent River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.