US Bridges

Old Columbia Road over Middle Patuxent River

Fair

Howard County, Maryland · 0.01 MI E of US RTE 29 · Structure no. 200000HO0064010

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,880
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Columbia Road over Middle Patuxent River is a concrete arch - deck carrying Old Columbia Road over Middle Patuxent River in Howard County, Maryland. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 4,880 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,960 by 2044. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Columbia Road
CrossesMiddle Patuxent River
Location0.01 MI E of US RTE 29
RouteCounty Highway 78
CountyHoward County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.16826, -76.88322
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.3 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,880 (2024)
Projected traffic5,960 by 2044
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Columbia Road over Middle Patuxent River built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Columbia Road over Middle Patuxent River 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Old Columbia Road over Middle Patuxent River carry?

About 4,880 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Old Columbia Road over Middle Patuxent River?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Old Columbia Road over Middle Patuxent River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.