US Bridges

Fort Avenue over Key Highway

Fair

Baltimore city, Maryland · Fort Ave over Key HWY · Structure no. 200000BC5404010

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
83 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,887
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fort Avenue over Key Highway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Fort Avenue over Key Highway in Baltimore city, Maryland. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 95 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 12,887 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,039 by 2044. The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFort Avenue
CrossesKey Highway
LocationFort Ave over Key HWY
RouteCity Street 1550
CountyBaltimore city
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.27104, -76.59987
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating70 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length83 ft (25.3 m)
Longest span79 ft (24.1 m)
Deck width72 ft (21.8 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,887 (2022)
Projected traffic16,039 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
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
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Fort Avenue over Key Highway built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Fort Avenue over Key Highway 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Fort Avenue over Key Highway carry?

About 12,887 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Fort Avenue over Key Highway?

The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24.1 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns Fort Avenue over Key Highway?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.