US Bridges

Nelson Street over Watts Branch

Fair

Montgomery County, Maryland · 0.5 Miles North of Md 28 · Structure no. 200000M-R-07020

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
Daily traffic
13,576
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nelson Street over Watts Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Nelson Street over Watts Branch in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 13,576 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,202 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNelson Street
CrossesWatts Branch
Location0.5 Miles North of Md 28
RouteCity Street 2210
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.08962, -77.17337
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating80.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadH 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,576 (2023)
Projected traffic15,202 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nelson Street over Watts Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nelson Street 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Nelson Street over Watts Branch carry?

About 13,576 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nelson Street over Watts Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m).

Who owns Nelson Street over Watts Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.