US Bridges

Md 5 NB over Zekiah Swamp

Fair

Charles County, Maryland · 0.44 Mile South of Md 488 · Structure no. 100000080002011

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
73 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
37,490
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 5 NB over Zekiah Swamp is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Md 5 NB over Zekiah Swamp in Charles County, Maryland. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 37,490 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,919 by 2026. The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesMd 5 NB
CrossesZekiah Swamp
Location0.44 Mile South of Md 488
RouteState Highway 5
CountyCharles County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.5607, -76.85414
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length73 ft (22.3 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic37,490 (2009)
Projected traffic23,919 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 5 NB over Zekiah Swamp built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 5 NB over Zekiah Swamp 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Md 5 NB over Zekiah Swamp carry?

About 37,490 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 5 NB over Zekiah Swamp?

The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Md 5 NB over Zekiah Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.