US Bridges

Watkins Mill Road over Whetstone Run

Good

Montgomery County, Maryland · 0.5 Miles East of Md 355 · Structure no. 200000M-0241010

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
209 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,397
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Watkins Mill Road over Whetstone Run is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Watkins Mill Road over Whetstone Run in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger than the Maryland average of 52.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 8,397 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,059 by 2043. The structure is 209 ft (63.7 m) long and 67 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesWatkins Mill Road
CrossesWhetstone Run
Location0.5 Miles East of Md 355
RouteCounty Highway 3770
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.16633, -77.21386
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating94 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length209 ft (63.7 m)
Longest span102 ft (31.1 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.3 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,397 (2023)
Projected traffic10,059 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$21.7 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Watkins Mill Road over Whetstone Run built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is Watkins Mill Road over Whetstone Run in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does Watkins Mill Road over Whetstone Run carry?

About 8,397 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Watkins Mill Road over Whetstone Run?

The structure is 209 ft (63.7 m) long with a longest span of 102 ft (31.1 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns Watkins Mill Road over Whetstone Run?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.