US Bridges

Fort Avenue over CSX

Poor

Baltimore city, Maryland · 0.2 Mi. W. of Ft. Mchenry · Structure no. 200000BC5405010

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
618 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
2,755
2015 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fort Avenue over CSX is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Fort Avenue over CSX in Baltimore city, Maryland. It was built in 1923 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 102 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 2,755 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,263 by 2032. The structure is 618 ft (188.4 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFort Avenue
CrossesCSX
Location0.2 Mi. W. of Ft. Mchenry
RouteCity Street 1550
CountyBaltimore city
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.26689, -76.58792
Functional classUrban Local

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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating61 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadUnknown
Structure length618 ft (188.4 m)
Longest span107 ft (32.6 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.7 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,755 (2015)
Projected traffic3,263 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and railroad
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$145,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Fort Avenue over CSX built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is Fort Avenue over CSX 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does Fort Avenue over CSX carry?

About 2,755 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Fort Avenue over CSX?

The structure is 618 ft (188.4 m) long with a longest span of 107 ft (32.6 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns Fort Avenue over CSX?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.