US Bridges

Division Avenue over Watts Branch

Good

District of Columbia, District of Columbia · Div Ave over Watts Br · Structure no. 0204

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Good
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,827
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Division Avenue over Watts Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Division Avenue over Watts Branch in District of Columbia, District of Columbia. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 74 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 6,827 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,827 by 2027. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesDivision Avenue
CrossesWatts Branch
LocationDiv Ave over Watts Br
RouteCity Street 0
CountyDistrict of Columbia
StateDistrict of Columbia
Coordinates38.8965, -76.92634
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 inspectionFebruary 2025
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.2 US tons
Inventory rating41.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.1 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,827 (2023)
Projected traffic6,827 by 2027
Trucks2%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Division Avenue over Watts Branch built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is Division Avenue over Watts Branch 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Division Avenue over Watts Branch carry?

About 6,827 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Division Avenue over Watts Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns Division Avenue over Watts Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.