US Bridges

M. L. King Avenue over Suitland Parkway

Fair

District of Columbia, District of Columbia · Mlking Ave over Suit Pkwy · Structure no. 0075

Built
1944
81 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
114 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M. L. King Avenue over Suitland Parkway is a concrete frame carrying M. L. King Avenue over Suitland Parkway in District of Columbia, District of Columbia. It was built in 1944, so it is 81 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 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 14,000 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,000 by 2027. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM. L. King Avenue
CrossesSuitland Parkway
LocationMlking Ave over Suit Pkwy
RouteCity Street 0
CountyDistrict of Columbia
StateDistrict of Columbia
Coordinates38.86073, -76.98316
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.9 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,000 (2018)
Projected traffic15,000 by 2027
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$2.5 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was M. L. King Avenue over Suitland Parkway built?

It was built in 1944, making it 81 years old in 2025.

What condition is M. L. King Avenue over Suitland Parkway 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 M. L. King Avenue over Suitland Parkway carry?

About 14,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is M. L. King Avenue over Suitland Parkway?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns M. L. King Avenue over Suitland Parkway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.