US Bridges

US 50 Bus over Wicomico River

Fair

Wicomico County, Maryland · 0.484 Mile W of US 13BU · Structure no. 100000220028010

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
127 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
19,721
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 50 Bus over Wicomico River is a steel movable - bascule carrying US 50 Bus over Wicomico River in Wicomico County, Maryland. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 19,721 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,665 by 2043. The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long and 88 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 50 Bus
CrossesWicomico River
Location0.484 Mile W of US 13BU
RouteU.S. Route 50
CountyWicomico County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.36604, -75.60423
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length127 ft (38.7 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width88 ft (26.8 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,721 (2023)
Projected traffic23,665 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 50 Bus over Wicomico River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 50 Bus over Wicomico River 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 50 Bus over Wicomico River carry?

About 19,721 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 50 Bus over Wicomico River?

The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 88 ft wide.

Who owns US 50 Bus over Wicomico River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.