US Bridges

Beach Drive over Rock Creek

Fair

Montgomery County, Maryland · 0.5 Miles South of Md 547 · Structure no. 200000M-PK08010

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
155 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,789
2021 count
Owner
Local
Local Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency

About this bridge

Beach Drive over Rock Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Beach Drive over Rock Creek in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 6,789 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,125 by 2041. The structure is 155 ft (47.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBeach Drive
CrossesRock Creek
Location0.5 Miles South of Md 547
RouteFederal Lands Road 28
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.02664, -77.09226
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length155 ft (47.2 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,789 (2021)
Projected traffic11,125 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Park, Forest, or Reservation 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$127,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Beach Drive over Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is Beach Drive over Rock Creek 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Beach Drive over Rock Creek carry?

About 6,789 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Beach Drive over Rock Creek?

The structure is 155 ft (47.2 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Beach Drive over Rock Creek?

It is owned by the Local Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency and maintained by the County Highway Agency.