US Bridges

US 29 over Northwest Branch

Fair

Montgomery County, Maryland · 0.27 M S of Lockwood DR · Structure no. 100000150009010

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
67,927
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 29 over Northwest Branch is a concrete arch - deck carrying US 29 over Northwest Branch in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1961, 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 67,927 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 72,075 by 2044. The structure is 52 ft (15.7 m) long and 96 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 29
CrossesNorthwest Branch
Location0.27 M S of Lockwood DR
RouteU.S. Route 29
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.03011, -77.00611
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (15.7 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width96 ft (29.4 m)
Roadway width84 ft (25.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic67,927 (2022)
Projected traffic72,075 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$330,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 29 over Northwest Branch built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is US 29 over Northwest Branch 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 29 over Northwest Branch carry?

About 67,927 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 29 over Northwest Branch?

The structure is 52 ft (15.7 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 96 ft wide.

Who owns US 29 over Northwest Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.