US Bridges

Ritchie Road over Southwest Branch

Fair

Prince George's County, Maryland · 0.47 MI South of Md 214 · Structure no. 200000P-0204010

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
70 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
21,862
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ritchie Road over Southwest Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ritchie Road over Southwest Branch in Prince George's County, Maryland. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 21,862 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,485 by 2041. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRitchie Road
CrossesSouthwest Branch
Location0.47 MI South of Md 214
RouteCounty Highway 87
CountyPrince George's County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.88325, -76.85998
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating79 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,862 (2021)
Projected traffic32,485 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$28,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ritchie Road over Southwest Branch built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ritchie Road over Southwest 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does Ritchie Road over Southwest Branch carry?

About 21,862 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ritchie Road over Southwest Branch?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Ritchie Road over Southwest Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.