US Bridges

Md 34 over Potomac Riv & C&o Canal

Fair

Washington County, Maryland · On West Virginia ST Line · Structure no. 100000210002010

Built
2005
20 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,096 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,900
2011 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 34 over Potomac Riv & C&o Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Md 34 over Potomac Riv & C&o Canal in Washington County, Maryland. It was built in 2005, so it is 20 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 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 5,900 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,759 by 2033. The structure is 1,096 ft (334.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.2 mi (55 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 34
CrossesPotomac Riv & C&o Canal
LocationOn West Virginia ST Line
RouteState Highway 34
CountyWashington County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.43712, -77.79969
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length1,096 ft (334.2 m)
Longest span425 ft (129.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,900 (2011)
Projected traffic7,759 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.2 mi (55 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 34 over Potomac Riv & C&o Canal built?

It was built in 2005, making it 20 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 34 over Potomac Riv & C&o Canal 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 2023.

How much traffic does Md 34 over Potomac Riv & C&o Canal carry?

About 5,900 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Md 34 over Potomac Riv & C&o Canal?

The structure is 1,096 ft (334.2 m) long with a longest span of 425 ft (129.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Md 34 over Potomac Riv & C&o Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.