US Bridges

Cottonworth Avenue over Western Run

Fair

Baltimore city, Maryland · 0.03 MI W Smith Ave-Falls · Structure no. 200000BC3502010

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
72 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
600
2007 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cottonworth Avenue over Western Run is a concrete continuous slab carrying Cottonworth Avenue over Western Run in Baltimore city, Maryland. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 600 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 750 by 2027. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCottonworth Avenue
CrossesWestern Run
Location0.03 MI W Smith Ave-Falls
RouteCity Street 7009
CountyBaltimore city
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.36768, -76.6492
Functional classUrban Local

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 inspectionOctober 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86.5 US tons
Inventory rating52 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic600 (2007)
Projected traffic750 by 2027
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$41,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cottonworth Avenue over Western Run built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cottonworth Avenue over Western Run 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 Cottonworth Avenue over Western Run carry?

About 600 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cottonworth Avenue over Western Run?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Cottonworth Avenue over Western Run?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.