US Bridges

Macarthur Blvd. over Cabin John Creek

FairPosted for load

Montgomery County, Maryland · 1.5 Mi. E. of I-495 · Structure no. CEPNABMD-000001

Built
1863
162 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
450 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,300
2022 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

Macarthur Blvd. over Cabin John Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying Macarthur Blvd. over Cabin John Creek in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was built in 1863 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 162 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 12,300 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15,000 by 2044. The structure is 450 ft (137.1 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesMacarthur Blvd.
CrossesCabin John Creek
Location1.5 Mi. E. of I-495
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMontgomery County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.97278, -77.14863
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating19.8 US tons
Inventory rating12.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+5 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length450 ft (137.1 m)
Longest span220 ft (67 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.3 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,300 (2022)
Projected traffic15,000 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Maintained byCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$546,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Macarthur Blvd. over Cabin John Creek built?

It was built in 1863, making it 162 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is Macarthur Blvd. over Cabin John 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 2024.

How much traffic does Macarthur Blvd. over Cabin John Creek carry?

About 12,300 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Macarthur Blvd. over Cabin John Creek?

The structure is 450 ft (137.1 m) long with a longest span of 220 ft (67 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Macarthur Blvd. over Cabin John Creek?

It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil).