US Bridges

Clara Barton Parkw over Little Falls Branch

Fair

Montgomery County, Maryland · 4.5 Miles South of I-495. · Structure no. 3300037P0000000

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
59 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16,120
2022 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Clara Barton Parkw over Little Falls Branch is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Clara Barton Parkw over Little Falls Branch in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 64 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 16,120 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,344 by 2042. The structure is 59 ft (18.1 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesClara Barton Parkw
CrossesLittle Falls Branch
Location4.5 Miles South of I-495.
RouteFederal Lands Road 6
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.93767, -77.11794
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.9 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length59 ft (18.1 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.9 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,120 (2022)
Projected traffic19,344 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$270,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Clara Barton Parkw over Little Falls Branch built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is Clara Barton Parkw over Little Falls 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Clara Barton Parkw over Little Falls Branch carry?

About 16,120 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Clara Barton Parkw over Little Falls Branch?

The structure is 59 ft (18.1 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.9 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Clara Barton Parkw over Little Falls Branch?

It is owned by the National Park Service.