US Bridges

Is 495 over Potomac River

Fair

Montgomery County, Maryland · On Virginia Line · Structure no. 100000150100010

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
1,443 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
239,022
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Is 495 over Potomac River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying Is 495 over Potomac River in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 62 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 239,022 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 284,373 by 2045. The structure is 1,443 ft (439.8 m) long and 137 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesIs 495
CrossesPotomac River
LocationOn Virginia Line
RouteInterstate 495
Coordinates38.97114, -77.17948
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,443 ft (439.8 m)
Longest span280 ft (85.3 m)
Deck width137 ft (41.9 m)
Roadway width134 ft (40.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic239,022 (2023)
Projected traffic284,373 by 2045
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure10
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$13.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Is 495 over Potomac River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Is 495 over Potomac 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Is 495 over Potomac River carry?

About 239,022 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Is 495 over Potomac River?

The structure is 1,443 ft (439.8 m) long with a longest span of 280 ft (85.3 m) and a deck 137 ft wide.

Who owns Is 495 over Potomac River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.