US Bridges

Independence Avenu over Tidal Basin

Fair

District of Columbia, District of Columbia · North End of Tidal Basin. · Structure no. 3400032P0000000

Built
1943
82 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
623 ft
15 main spans
Daily traffic
8,970
2007 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Independence Avenu over Tidal Basin is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Independence Avenu over Tidal Basin in District of Columbia, District of Columbia. It was built in 1943 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 82 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 8,970 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,600 by 2027. The structure is 623 ft (190 m) long and 47 ft wide.

CarriesIndependence Avenu
CrossesTidal Basin
LocationNorth End of Tidal Basin.
RouteCity Street 502
Coordinates38.88667, -77.03933
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans15 (+6 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length623 ft (190 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.7 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,970 (2007)
Projected traffic12,600 by 2027
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$4.5 million (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Independence Avenu over Tidal Basin built?

It was built in 1943, making it 82 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is Independence Avenu over Tidal Basin 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Independence Avenu over Tidal Basin carry?

About 8,970 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Independence Avenu over Tidal Basin?

The structure is 623 ft (190 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.7 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Independence Avenu over Tidal Basin?

It is owned by the National Park Service.