US Bridges

Wootton Parkway over Watts Branch

Fair

Montgomery County, Maryland · 0.9 Miles West of Md 189 · Structure no. 200000M-R-04010

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
114 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14,951
2025 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wootton Parkway over Watts Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wootton Parkway over Watts Branch in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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.

It carries about 14,951 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,740 by 2045. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWootton Parkway
CrossesWatts Branch
Location0.9 Miles West of Md 189
RouteCity Street 2593
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.07485, -77.18231
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating63.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.5 m)
Deck width52 ft (16 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,951 (2025)
Projected traffic16,740 by 2045
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$138,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wootton Parkway over Watts Branch built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wootton Parkway 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Wootton Parkway over Watts Branch carry?

About 14,951 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Wootton Parkway over Watts Branch?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.5 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns Wootton Parkway over Watts Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.