55th Street N.E. over Watts Branch
FairDistrict of Columbia, District of Columbia · 55th ST over Watts Br · Structure no. 0196
- Built
- 1958
- 67 years old, rebuilt 2015
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected February 2025
- Type
- Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
- Prestressed Concrete
- Length
- 33 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 5,000
- 2023 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
55th Street N.E. over Watts Branch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying 55th Street N.E. over Watts Branch in District of Columbia, District of Columbia. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 67 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 5,000 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,200 by 2027. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was 55th Street N.E. over Watts Branch built?
It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.
What condition is 55th Street N.E. over Watts Branch 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 February 2025.
How much traffic does 55th Street N.E. over Watts Branch carry?
About 5,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.
How long is 55th Street N.E. over Watts Branch?
The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.6 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.
Who owns 55th Street N.E. over Watts Branch?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.