US Bridges

Decatur Road over Dorsey Creek

Fair

Anne Arundel County, Maryland · 0.5 KM SE of Rt. 450 · Structure no. 1MD0641

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
499 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
4,400
2005 count
Owner
Federal
Navy / Marines

About this bridge

Decatur Road over Dorsey Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Decatur Road over Dorsey Creek in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger 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 4,400 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,500 by 2035. The structure is 499 ft (152.2 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDecatur Road
CrossesDorsey Creek
Location0.5 KM SE of Rt. 450
CountyAnne Arundel County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.98603, -76.49169
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating101.4 US tons
Inventory rating78.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length499 ft (152.2 m)
Longest span62 ft (19 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,400 (2005)
Projected traffic5,500 by 2035
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNavy / Marines
Maintained byNavy / Marines
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$119,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Decatur Road over Dorsey Creek built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Decatur Road over Dorsey 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Decatur Road over Dorsey Creek carry?

About 4,400 vehicles per day (2005 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Decatur Road over Dorsey Creek?

The structure is 499 ft (152.2 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (19 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Decatur Road over Dorsey Creek?

It is owned by the Navy / Marines.