US Bridges

I-83 over Mta Light Rail

Poor

Baltimore city, Maryland · At City Line · Structure no. 200000BC3127010

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
874 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
29,900
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-83 over Mta Light Rail is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-83 over Mta Light Rail 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 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 29,900 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,200 by 2038. The structure is 874 ft (266.4 m) long and 105 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-83
CrossesMta Light Rail
LocationAt City Line
RouteInterstate 83
CountyBaltimore city
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.36714, -76.65045
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82 US tons
Inventory rating49.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14
Design loadHS 20
Structure length874 ft (266.4 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width105 ft (32.1 m)
Roadway width102 ft (31.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,900 (2018)
Projected traffic37,200 by 2038
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$162,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-83 over Mta Light Rail built?

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

What condition is I-83 over Mta Light Rail 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does I-83 over Mta Light Rail carry?

About 29,900 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is I-83 over Mta Light Rail?

The structure is 874 ft (266.4 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 105 ft wide.

Who owns I-83 over Mta Light Rail?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.