US Bridges

Hope Road over German Branch

Fair

Queen Anne's County, Maryland · 0.1 Mi. SW of Moores LN · Structure no. 200000Q-0031030

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
49 ft
Daily traffic
425
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hope Road over German Branch is a steel culvert carrying Hope Road over German Branch in Queen Anne's County, Maryland. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 425 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 510 by 2042. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesHope Road
CrossesGerman Branch
Location0.1 Mi. SW of Moores LN
RouteCounty Highway 396
CountyQueen Anne's County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.05047, -75.95078
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating91.5 US tons
Inventory rating70 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadHS 20
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic425 (2022)
Projected traffic510 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Hope Road over German Branch built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hope Road over German 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Hope Road over German Branch carry?

About 425 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Hope Road over German Branch?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns Hope Road over German Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.