US Bridges

Howard Chapel Road over Haights Branch

Fair

Montgomery County, Maryland · 1.7 Miles North of Md 650 · Structure no. 200000M-0123010

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
609
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Howard Chapel Road over Haights Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Howard Chapel Road over Haights Branch in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1991, 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 609 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 821 by 2044. The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHoward Chapel Road
CrossesHaights Branch
Location1.7 Miles North of Md 650
RouteCounty Highway 55
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.24936, -77.06603
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating87.5 US tons
Inventory rating52.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.8 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic609 (2024)
Projected traffic821 by 2044
Trucks3%
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

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$29,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Howard Chapel Road over Haights Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Howard Chapel Road over Haights 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Howard Chapel Road over Haights Branch carry?

About 609 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Howard Chapel Road over Haights Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Howard Chapel Road over Haights Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.