US Bridges

Md 181(SIXTH St) over Spa Creek

Fair

Anne Arundel County, Maryland · Annapolis Md. · Structure no. 100000020053010

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
832 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17,042
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 181(SIXTH St) over Spa Creek is a steel movable - bascule carrying Md 181(SIXTH St) over Spa Creek in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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 17,042 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,087 by 2042. The structure is 832 ft (253.6 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 181(SIXTH St)
CrossesSpa Creek
LocationAnnapolis Md.
RouteCity Street 2920
CountyAnne Arundel County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.97158, -76.48525
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.5 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+14 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length832 ft (253.6 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,042 (2022)
Projected traffic19,087 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2.2 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 181(SIXTH St) over Spa Creek built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 181(SIXTH St) over Spa 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Md 181(SIXTH St) over Spa Creek carry?

About 17,042 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Md 181(SIXTH St) over Spa Creek?

The structure is 832 ft (253.6 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Md 181(SIXTH St) over Spa Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.