US Bridges

Pennington Avenue over Cabin Branch

Fair

Baltimore city, Maryland · 1.5 MI S Patapsco Ave · Structure no. 200000BC5216011

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
291 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
13,500
2014 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pennington Avenue over Cabin Branch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pennington Avenue over Cabin Branch in Baltimore city, Maryland. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 13,500 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,800 by 2036. The structure is 291 ft (88.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesPennington Avenue
CrossesCabin Branch
Location1.5 MI S Patapsco Ave
RouteState Highway 173
CountyBaltimore city
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.21346, -76.58731
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating64.5 US tons
Inventory rating38.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length291 ft (88.7 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,500 (2014)
Projected traffic16,800 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$13,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pennington Avenue over Cabin Branch built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pennington Avenue over Cabin Branch 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Pennington Avenue over Cabin Branch carry?

About 13,500 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Pennington Avenue over Cabin Branch?

The structure is 291 ft (88.7 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Pennington Avenue over Cabin Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.