US Bridges

Suitland Parkway over Branch Avenue

Fair

Prince George's County, Maryland · 1.5 Miles West of Silver · Structure no. 3564001P0000000

Built
1943
82 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
65 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
37,000
2023 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Suitland Parkway over Branch Avenue is a concrete frame carrying Suitland Parkway over Branch Avenue in Prince George's County, Maryland. It was built in 1943, so it is 82 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 37,000 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,700 by 2043. The structure is 65 ft (19.7 m) long and 69 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSuitland Parkway
CrossesBranch Avenue
Location1.5 Miles West of Silver
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyPrince George's County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.85239, -76.95603
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length65 ft (19.7 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width69 ft (21.1 m)
Roadway width59 ft (18 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic37,000 (2023)
Projected traffic40,700 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$120,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Suitland Parkway over Branch Avenue built?

It was built in 1943, making it 82 years old in 2025.

What condition is Suitland Parkway over Branch Avenue 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Suitland Parkway over Branch Avenue carry?

About 37,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Suitland Parkway over Branch Avenue?

The structure is 65 ft (19.7 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 69 ft wide.

Who owns Suitland Parkway over Branch Avenue?

It is owned by the National Park Service.