US Bridges

Glen Road over Watts Branch

Fair

Montgomery County, Maryland · 1.5 Miles West of Md 189 · Structure no. 200000M-0014010

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,114
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Glen Road over Watts Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Glen Road over Watts Branch in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 95 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 8,114 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,211 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGlen Road
CrossesWatts Branch
Location1.5 Miles West of Md 189
RouteCounty Highway 195
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.04615, -77.21768
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionJune 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating94.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.3 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,114 (2022)
Projected traffic8,211 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$44,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Glen Road over Watts Branch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is Glen Road over Watts 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Glen Road over Watts Branch carry?

About 8,114 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Glen Road over Watts Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Glen Road over Watts Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.