US Bridges

US RTE 50 EB over Chesapeake Bay

Fair

Anne Arundel County, Maryland · 6 MI E of Md RTE 2 · Structure no. 300000AAZ050013

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Suspension
Steel
Length
21,289 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
38,923
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

US RTE 50 EB over Chesapeake Bay is a steel suspension carrying US RTE 50 EB over Chesapeake Bay in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 74 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 38,923 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 44,600 by 2044. The structure is 21,289 ft (6,488.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS RTE 50 EB
CrossesChesapeake Bay
Location6 MI E of Md RTE 2
RouteU.S. Route 50
CountyAnne Arundel County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.00836, -76.40416
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.5 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSuspension
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3 (+120 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length21,289 ft (6,488.9 m)
Longest span1,600 ft (487.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,923 (2023)
Projected traffic44,600 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US RTE 50 EB over Chesapeake Bay built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is US RTE 50 EB over Chesapeake Bay 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 2023.

How much traffic does US RTE 50 EB over Chesapeake Bay carry?

About 38,923 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US RTE 50 EB over Chesapeake Bay?

The structure is 21,289 ft (6,488.9 m) long with a longest span of 1,600 ft (487.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US RTE 50 EB over Chesapeake Bay?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.