US Bridges

Barnes Road over Bennett Creek

PoorPosted for load

Montgomery County, Maryland · 0.1 MI N of Clarksburg RD · Structure no. 200000M-0008010

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
608
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Barnes Road over Bennett Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Barnes Road over Bennett Creek in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 100 years old, older than the Maryland average of 52.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 608 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 823 by 2044. The structure is 38 ft (11.7 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesBarnes Road
CrossesBennett Creek
Location0.1 MI N of Clarksburg RD
RouteCounty Highway 4
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.30553, -77.25606
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.7 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic608 (2024)
Projected traffic823 by 2044
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$27,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Barnes Road over Bennett Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is Barnes Road over Bennett Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does Barnes Road over Bennett Creek carry?

About 608 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Barnes Road over Bennett Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.7 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Barnes Road over Bennett Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.