US Bridges

Minnesota Ave N.E. over Watts Branch N.E.

Good

District of Columbia, District of Columbia · Minn Ave over Watts Br · Structure no. 0082

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
55 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Minnesota Ave N.E. over Watts Branch N.E. is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Minnesota Ave N.E. over Watts Branch N.E. in District of Columbia, District of Columbia. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 91 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 16,000 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,500 by 2027. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesMinnesota Ave N.E.
CrossesWatts Branch N.E.
LocationMinn Ave over Watts Br
RouteCity Street 0
CountyDistrict of Columbia
StateDistrict of Columbia
Coordinates38.90136, -76.94556
Functional classUrban Minor 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.7 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,000 (2018)
Projected traffic22,500 by 2027
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$3.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Minnesota Ave N.E. over Watts Branch N.E. built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is Minnesota Ave N.E. over Watts Branch N.E. 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Minnesota Ave N.E. over Watts Branch N.E. carry?

About 16,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Minnesota Ave N.E. over Watts Branch N.E.?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns Minnesota Ave N.E. over Watts Branch N.E.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.