US Bridges

Md 5 SB over Zekiah Swamp

Fair

Charles County, Maryland · 0.54 Mile South of Md 488 · Structure no. 100000080003012

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1938
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
41,209
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 5 SB over Zekiah Swamp is a concrete tee beam carrying Md 5 SB over Zekiah Swamp in Charles County, Maryland. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1938, so it is 94 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 41,209 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,283 by 2043. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 5 SB
CrossesZekiah Swamp
Location0.54 Mile South of Md 488
RouteState Highway 5
CountyCharles County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.55978, -76.85306
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic41,209 (2023)
Projected traffic50,283 by 2043
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$85,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 5 SB over Zekiah Swamp built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1938.

What condition is Md 5 SB 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 SB over Zekiah Swamp carry?

About 41,209 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 5 SB over Zekiah Swamp?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Md 5 SB over Zekiah Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.