US Bridges

Bower Avenue over Is 70

Fair

Washington County, Maryland · 0.68 MI S of US 11 · Structure no. 100000210114010

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
205 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,314
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bower Avenue over Is 70 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bower Avenue over Is 70 in Washington County, Maryland. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 1973, so it is 57 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 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 2,314 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,779 by 2041. The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBower Avenue
CrossesIs 70
Location0.68 MI S of US 11
RouteCounty Highway 453
CountyWashington County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.60648, -77.77416
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.5 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length205 ft (62.5 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,314 (2021)
Projected traffic2,779 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$442,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Bower Avenue over Is 70 built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

What condition is Bower Avenue over Is 70 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Bower Avenue over Is 70 carry?

About 2,314 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Bower Avenue over Is 70?

The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Bower Avenue over Is 70?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.