US Bridges

US 50 over Sinepuxent Bay

Fair

Worcester County, Maryland · 0.17 Mile West of Md 528 · Structure no. 100000230007010

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
2,297 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
34,001
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 50 over Sinepuxent Bay is a steel movable - bascule carrying US 50 over Sinepuxent Bay in Worcester County, Maryland. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 34,001 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 41,481 by 2043. The structure is 2,297 ft (700.1 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 50
CrossesSinepuxent Bay
Location0.17 Mile West of Md 528
RouteU.S. Route 50
CountyWorcester County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.33398, -75.09681
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.9 US tons
Inventory rating26.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+72 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length2,297 ft (700.1 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width59 ft (17.9 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,001 (2023)
Projected traffic41,481 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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$8.9 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 50 over Sinepuxent Bay built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 50 over Sinepuxent Bay 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 50 over Sinepuxent Bay carry?

About 34,001 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 50 over Sinepuxent Bay?

The structure is 2,297 ft (700.1 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns US 50 over Sinepuxent Bay?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.