US Bridges

Md 173 over Rock Creek

Fair

Anne Arundel County, Maryland · 0.68 Mile North of Md 607 · Structure no. 100000020046010

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,150
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 173 over Rock Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Md 173 over Rock Creek in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 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 9,150 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,930 by 2026. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 173
CrossesRock Creek
Location0.68 Mile North of Md 607
RouteState Highway 173
CountyAnne Arundel County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.13853, -76.52347
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionNovember 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99.4 US tons
Inventory rating59.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,150 (2009)
Projected traffic10,930 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$85,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 173 over Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 173 over Rock Creek 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Md 173 over Rock Creek carry?

About 9,150 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 173 over Rock Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Md 173 over Rock Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.