US Bridges

Watersville Road over Is 70

Fair

Howard County, Maryland · 0.32 Mile North of Md 144 · Structure no. 100000130083010

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
239 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,066
2006 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Watersville Road over Is 70 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Watersville Road over Is 70 in Howard County, Maryland. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 years old, younger 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 2,066 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,382 by 2026. The structure is 239 ft (72.8 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWatersville Road
CrossesIs 70
Location0.32 Mile North of Md 144
RouteCounty Highway 7
CountyHoward County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.34733, -77.09422
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81 US tons
Inventory rating48.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length239 ft (72.8 m)
Longest span117 ft (35.7 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,066 (2006)
Projected traffic2,382 by 2026
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Watersville Road over Is 70 built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Watersville Road over Is 70 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Watersville Road over Is 70 carry?

About 2,066 vehicles per day (2006 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Watersville Road over Is 70?

The structure is 239 ft (72.8 m) long with a longest span of 117 ft (35.7 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Watersville Road over Is 70?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.