US Bridges

US 301 NB over Unicorn Branch

Fair

Queen Anne's County, Maryland · 0.48 M S of Kent CO Line · Structure no. 100000170013011

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
153 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,370
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 301 NB over Unicorn Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 301 NB over Unicorn Branch in Queen Anne's County, Maryland. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 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 10,370 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,716 by 2026. The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 301 NB
CrossesUnicorn Branch
Location0.48 M S of Kent CO Line
RouteU.S. Route 301
CountyQueen Anne's County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.2548, -75.86625
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length153 ft (46.6 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,370 (2009)
Projected traffic6,716 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate 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 NB over Unicorn Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 301 NB over Unicorn 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 301 NB over Unicorn Branch carry?

About 10,370 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 301 NB over Unicorn Branch?

The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US 301 NB over Unicorn Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.