US Bridges

US 50 over Severn River

Fair

Anne Arundel County, Maryland · 0.85 M W of Br No 0203900 · Structure no. 100000020038010

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
2,862 ft
17 main spans
Daily traffic
105,761
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 50 over Severn River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 50 over Severn River in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 72 years old, older than the Maryland average of 52.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 105,761 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 131,650 by 2044. The structure is 2,862 ft (872.3 m) long and 86 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 50
CrossesSevern River
Location0.85 M W of Br No 0203900
RouteU.S. Route 50
CountyAnne Arundel County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.00299, -76.50664
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans17
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,862 ft (872.3 m)
Longest span168 ft (51.2 m)
Deck width86 ft (26.2 m)
Roadway width83 ft (25.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic105,761 (2022)
Projected traffic131,650 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$16.3 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 50 over Severn River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is US 50 over Severn River 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 50 over Severn River carry?

About 105,761 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 50 over Severn River?

The structure is 2,862 ft (872.3 m) long with a longest span of 168 ft (51.2 m) and a deck 86 ft wide.

Who owns US 50 over Severn River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.