US Bridges

Bowie Road over Bear Branch

GoodPosted for load

Prince George's County, Maryland · 0.2 MI East of US 1 NB · Structure no. 200000P-0161020

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
70 ft
Daily traffic
14,590
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bowie Road over Bear Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Bowie Road over Bear Branch in Prince George's County, Maryland. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 years old, older than the Maryland average of 52.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 14,590 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,110 by 2045. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesBowie Road
CrossesBear Branch
Location0.2 MI East of US 1 NB
RouteCounty Highway 55
CountyPrince George's County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.09517, -76.84779
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating39.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadHS 20
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,590 (2023)
Projected traffic22,110 by 2045
Trucks10%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$112,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bowie Road over Bear Branch built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bowie Road over Bear Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does Bowie Road over Bear Branch carry?

About 14,590 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Bowie Road over Bear Branch?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m).

Who owns Bowie Road over Bear Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.