US Bridges

Md 238 over Nelsons Run

Fair

St. Mary's County, Maryland · 0.28 Mile South of Md 234 · Structure no. 100000180017010

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,791
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 238 over Nelsons Run is a concrete slab carrying Md 238 over Nelsons Run in St. Mary's County, Maryland. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 1,791 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,261 by 2026. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 238
CrossesNelsons Run
Location0.28 Mile South of Md 234
RouteState Highway 238
CountySt. Mary's County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.36545, -76.78574
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,791 (2009)
Projected traffic2,261 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$44,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 238 over Nelsons Run built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 238 over Nelsons Run 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Md 238 over Nelsons Run carry?

About 1,791 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 238 over Nelsons Run?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Md 238 over Nelsons Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.