US Bridges

Md 991 over Wicomico River

Fair

Wicomico County, Maryland · 0.03 MI E of Small ST · Structure no. 100000220009010

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,662
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 991 over Wicomico River is a steel movable - bascule carrying Md 991 over Wicomico River in Wicomico County, Maryland. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 97 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 12,662 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,270 by 2035. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 991
CrossesWicomico River
Location0.03 MI E of Small ST
RouteState Highway 991
CountyWicomico County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.36532, -75.60436
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating50.5 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,662 (2009)
Projected traffic17,270 by 2035
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$123,000
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 991 over Wicomico River built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is Md 991 over Wicomico 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Md 991 over Wicomico River carry?

About 12,662 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 991 over Wicomico River?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Md 991 over Wicomico River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.