US Bridges

US 40 over Patapsco Forest Road

Fair

Howard County, Maryland · 0.5 MI W of Baltimore CO · Structure no. 100000130034010

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
37,530
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 40 over Patapsco Forest Road is a concrete slab carrying US 40 over Patapsco Forest Road in Howard County, Maryland. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 37,530 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,637 by 2026. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 88 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 40
CrossesPatapsco Forest Road
Location0.5 MI W of Baltimore CO
RouteU.S. Route 40
CountyHoward County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.29603, -76.78716
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width88 ft (26.8 m)
Roadway width85 ft (25.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic37,530 (2009)
Projected traffic45,637 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$278,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 40 over Patapsco Forest Road built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 40 over Patapsco Forest Road 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 40 over Patapsco Forest Road carry?

About 37,530 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 40 over Patapsco Forest Road?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 88 ft wide.

Who owns US 40 over Patapsco Forest Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.