US Bridges

US 522 over Potomac Riv CSX Trans.

Poor

Washington County, Maryland · On West Virginia Line · Structure no. 100000210043010

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel Continuous
Length
2,577 ft
23 main spans
Daily traffic
10,550
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 522 over Potomac Riv CSX Trans. is a steel continuous truss - deck carrying US 522 over Potomac Riv CSX Trans. in Washington County, Maryland. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 years old, older than the Maryland average of 52.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 10,550 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,000 by 2042. The structure is 2,577 ft (785.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

No coordinates are recorded for this structure.

CarriesUS 522
CrossesPotomac Riv CSX Trans.
LocationOn West Virginia Line
RouteU.S. Route 522
CountyWashington County
StateMaryland
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating45.5 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans23 (+7 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length2,577 ft (785.5 m)
Longest span196 ft (59.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,550 (2022)
Projected traffic16,000 by 2042
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$5.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 522 over Potomac Riv CSX Trans. built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 522 over Potomac Riv CSX Trans. in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does US 522 over Potomac Riv CSX Trans. carry?

About 10,550 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US 522 over Potomac Riv CSX Trans.?

The structure is 2,577 ft (785.5 m) long with a longest span of 196 ft (59.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US 522 over Potomac Riv CSX Trans.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.