US Bridges

Md 244 over Poplar Hill Creek

Fair

St. Mary's County, Maryland · 0.16 M W of Tower Hill RD · Structure no. 100000180024010

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,517
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 244 over Poplar Hill Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Md 244 over Poplar Hill Creek in St. Mary's County, Maryland. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 2,517 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,701 by 2043. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesMd 244
CrossesPoplar Hill Creek
Location0.16 M W of Tower Hill RD
RouteState Highway 244
CountySt. Mary's County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.22264, -76.56947
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,517 (2023)
Projected traffic3,701 by 2043
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$46,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 244 over Poplar Hill Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 244 over Poplar Hill Creek 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 Md 244 over Poplar Hill Creek carry?

About 2,517 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 244 over Poplar Hill Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Md 244 over Poplar Hill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.