US Bridges

Flower Avenue over Sligo Creek

FairPosted for load

Montgomery County, Maryland · 85FT W of Sligo Creek Pky · Structure no. 200000M-T-02010

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,774
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Flower Avenue over Sligo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Flower Avenue over Sligo Creek in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,774 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,167 by 2041. The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFlower Avenue
CrossesSligo Creek
Location85FT W of Sligo Creek Pky
RouteCity Street 460
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.98116, -76.99447
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating71 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (10.9 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,774 (2021)
Projected traffic2,167 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$147,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Flower Avenue over Sligo Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Flower Avenue over Sligo 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Flower Avenue over Sligo Creek carry?

About 1,774 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Flower Avenue over Sligo Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Flower Avenue over Sligo Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.