US Bridges

Ambleside Drive over Watts Branch

FairPosted for load

Montgomery County, Maryland · 0.6 MI North of Glen Road · Structure no. 200000M-0170010

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
92 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,418
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ambleside Drive over Watts Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ambleside Drive over Watts Branch in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 2,418 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,734 by 2041. The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesAmbleside Drive
CrossesWatts Branch
Location0.6 MI North of Glen Road
RouteCounty Highway 3708
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.05412, -77.20156
Functional classUrban 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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length92 ft (28 m)
Longest span92 ft (28 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,418 (2021)
Projected traffic2,734 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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$35,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ambleside Drive over Watts Branch built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ambleside Drive 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Ambleside Drive over Watts Branch carry?

About 2,418 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ambleside Drive over Watts Branch?

The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Ambleside Drive over Watts Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.