US Bridges

Chain Bridge over Potomac R. & C&o

Good

District of Columbia, District of Columbia · Over Potomac River N.W. · Structure no. 0001

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
1,383 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
20,600
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Chain Bridge over Potomac R. & C&o is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying Chain Bridge over Potomac R. & C&o in District of Columbia, District of Columbia. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 88 years old, older than the District of Columbia average of 63.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 20,600 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,500 by 2026. The structure is 1,383 ft (421.5 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesChain Bridge
CrossesPotomac R. & C&o
LocationOver Potomac River N.W.
RouteCity Street 0
CountyDistrict of Columbia
StateDistrict of Columbia
Coordinates38.92944, -77.11697
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.8 US tons
Inventory rating40.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,383 ft (421.5 m)
Longest span172 ft (52.4 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,600 (2018)
Projected traffic22,500 by 2026
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Chain Bridge over Potomac R. & C&o built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is Chain Bridge over Potomac R. & C&o in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does Chain Bridge over Potomac R. & C&o carry?

About 20,600 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Chain Bridge over Potomac R. & C&o?

The structure is 1,383 ft (421.5 m) long with a longest span of 172 ft (52.4 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns Chain Bridge over Potomac R. & C&o?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.