US Bridges

River Road over Broad Run

FairPosted for load

Montgomery County, Maryland · 0.3 MI E of Elmer School · Structure no. 200000M-0040010

Built
1911
114 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
444
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

River Road over Broad Run is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying River Road over Broad Run in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1911 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 114 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 444 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 577 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesRiver Road
CrossesBroad Run
Location0.3 MI E of Elmer School
RouteCounty Highway 277
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.11813, -77.48084
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.9 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.2 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic444 (2020)
Projected traffic577 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$231,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was River Road over Broad Run built?

It was built in 1911, making it 114 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is River Road over Broad Run 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does River Road over Broad Run carry?

About 444 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is River Road over Broad Run?

The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns River Road over Broad Run?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.