US Bridges

U.S. Route 301 over Potomac River

Good

Charles County, Maryland · On Virginia Line · Structure no. 300000CHZ301010

Built
2022
3 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
9,966 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,550
2020 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

U.S. Route 301 over Potomac River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying U.S. Route 301 over Potomac River in Charles County, Maryland. It was built in 2022, so it is 3 years old, younger than the Maryland average of 52.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 18,550 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,800 by 2044. The structure is 9,966 ft (3,037.7 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesU.S. Route 301
CrossesPotomac River
LocationOn Virginia Line
RouteU.S. Route 301
CountyCharles County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.35934, -77.01537
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.1 US tons
Inventory rating47.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+56 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length9,966 ft (3,037.7 m)
Longest span350 ft (106.7 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.7 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,550 (2020)
Projected traffic27,800 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$18.4 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. Route 301 over Potomac River built?

It was built in 2022, making it 3 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. Route 301 over Potomac River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2023.

How much traffic does U.S. Route 301 over Potomac River carry?

About 18,550 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is U.S. Route 301 over Potomac River?

The structure is 9,966 ft (3,037.7 m) long with a longest span of 350 ft (106.7 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. Route 301 over Potomac River?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.