US Bridges

West Gude Drive over I-270

PoorPosted for load

Montgomery County, Maryland · 0.35 Miles East of Md 28 · Structure no. 200000M-R-11010

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
254 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30,343
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Gude Drive over I-270 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying West Gude Drive over I-270 in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger than the Maryland average of 52.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 30,343 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 33,909 by 2041. The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long and 81 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWest Gude Drive
CrossesI-270
Location0.35 Miles East of Md 28
RouteCounty Highway 1297
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.1008, -77.1797
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating25.5 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length254 ft (77.4 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width81 ft (24.8 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,343 (2021)
Projected traffic33,909 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was West Gude Drive over I-270 built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is West Gude Drive over I-270 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does West Gude Drive over I-270 carry?

About 30,343 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is West Gude Drive over I-270?

The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 81 ft wide.

Who owns West Gude Drive over I-270?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.