US Bridges

Md 117 over Little Seneca Creek

Fair

Montgomery County, Maryland · 1.03 Miles East of Md 121 · Structure no. 100000150095030

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
57 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,457
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 117 over Little Seneca Creek is a steel culvert carrying Md 117 over Little Seneca Creek in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 72 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 7,457 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,217 by 2044. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 117
CrossesLittle Seneca Creek
Location1.03 Miles East of Md 121
RouteState Highway 117
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.17507, -77.30002
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,457 (2022)
Projected traffic8,217 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$113,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 117 over Little Seneca Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is Md 117 over Little Seneca Creek 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Md 117 over Little Seneca Creek carry?

About 7,457 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 117 over Little Seneca Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Md 117 over Little Seneca Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.