US Bridges

I-83 over Jones Falls

Fair

Baltimore city, Maryland · 0.3 MI N Cold Spring Lane · Structure no. 200000BC3118010

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
23,800
2007 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-83 over Jones Falls is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-83 over Jones Falls in Baltimore city, Maryland. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1987, 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 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 23,800 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,600 by 2030. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 109 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesI-83
CrossesJones Falls
Location0.3 MI N Cold Spring Lane
RouteInterstate 83
CountyBaltimore city
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.34807, -76.6468
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width109 ft (33.3 m)
Roadway width86 ft (26.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,800 (2007)
Projected traffic29,600 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$113,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-83 over Jones Falls built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is I-83 over Jones Falls 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does I-83 over Jones Falls carry?

About 23,800 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is I-83 over Jones Falls?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 109 ft wide.

Who owns I-83 over Jones Falls?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.