US Bridges

Md 6 over Wards Run

Fair

Charles County, Maryland · 0.34 M W of Hilltop Road · Structure no. 100000080013010

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,204
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 6 over Wards Run is a concrete arch - deck carrying Md 6 over Wards Run in Charles County, Maryland. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 96 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 3,204 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,000 by 2044. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 6
CrossesWards Run
Location0.34 M W of Hilltop Road
RouteState Highway 6
CountyCharles County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.48366, -77.13217
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,204 (2024)
Projected traffic4,000 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$158,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 6 over Wards Run built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Md 6 over Wards Run 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Md 6 over Wards Run carry?

About 3,204 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 6 over Wards Run?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Md 6 over Wards Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.