US Bridges

US RTE 50 WB over Chesapeake Bay

Fair

Anne Arundel County, Maryland · 6 MI E of Md RTE 2 · Structure no. 300000AAZ050014

Built
1973
52 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Suspension
Steel
Length
21,051 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
39,114
2019 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

US RTE 50 WB over Chesapeake Bay is a steel suspension carrying US RTE 50 WB over Chesapeake Bay in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. It was built in 1973 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 52 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 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 39,114 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,851 by 2041. The structure is 21,051 ft (6,416.3 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS RTE 50 WB
CrossesChesapeake Bay
Location6 MI E of Md RTE 2
RouteU.S. Route 50
CountyAnne Arundel County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.98454, -76.34
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 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 rating43 US tons
Inventory rating23.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSuspension
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+119 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21,051 ft (6,416.3 m)
Longest span1,600 ft (487.7 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39,114 (2019)
Projected traffic50,851 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
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 WB over Chesapeake Bay built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is US RTE 50 WB 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 WB over Chesapeake Bay carry?

About 39,114 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US RTE 50 WB over Chesapeake Bay?

The structure is 21,051 ft (6,416.3 m) long with a longest span of 1,600 ft (487.7 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US RTE 50 WB over Chesapeake Bay?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.