US Bridges

Md 197 over Br of Patuxent River

Fair

Prince George's County, Maryland · 0.254 Mile N of Md 295 · Structure no. 100000160208020

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 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 1970 and reconstructed in 1976, so it is 55 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 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesMd 197
CrossesBr of Patuxent River
Location0.254 Mile N of Md 295
RouteState Highway 197
Coordinates39.06506, -76.8395
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 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 length27 ft (8.2 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 traffic44,222 (2009)
Projected traffic57,446 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure6
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 1970, making it 55 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 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns Md 197 over Br of Patuxent River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.