Federal inspectors gave a failing grade to several aging bridges on the Route 1 corridor, recommending that they be repaired or replaced.
According to the National Bridge Inventory, four local bridges have serious deficiencies that led to a rating of “poor” instead of “fair” or “good.”
Although the problems vary, a bridge which recently collapsed in Pittsburgh was also rated “poor,” showing the importance of making these repairs.
As the federal government prepares to spend $27 billion repairing bridges around the country, these bridges could be due for an upgrade.
University Boulevard over Paint Branch Creek
Rated “Poor” in July of 2018
Built in 1955, the bridge just west of Route 1 by the bowling alley has major problems with the culvert underneath. Inspectors found cracks and splinters in the concrete along with salty deposits that indicate water inside the concrete that could cause further erosion.
Riverdale Road over Northeast Branch
Rated “Poor” in January of 2018
Built in 1931, the concrete arch bridge just west of Kenilworth Avenue is so old that it could technically qualify for the National Register of Historic Places. The county is working on repairs, with construction slated to start in 2023.
Cherry Hill Road over Little Paint Branch
Rated “Poor” in February of 2018
Built in 1966, the bridge just west of Route 1 near the Best Buy has structural deficiencies that are “basically intolerable,” according to inspectors, who recommended it be replaced at a cost of around $2.1 million.
Campus Drive over Northeast Branch
Rated “Poor” in June of 2017
Built in 1964, the bridge west of Kenilworth Avenue by the ice rink has problems with its superstructure and on the creek banks but otherwise met the minimum standards by inspectors to be left in place.
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They replaced the Sunnyside bridge during the pandemic. Why’s it still in the article?
The county replaced the Sunnyside Avenue bridge, construction appears complete (or nearly so): https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1012/Capital-Roadway-Project
The state is working on completing design of the Riverdale Road bridge, with construction slated to start in 2023: https://mdot-sha-riverdale-rd-brg-over-anacostia-riv-pg9675180-maryland.hub.arcgis.com/
The post has been updated. Thank you for providing that information! The bridge inventory still has the old report listed.
For those who bike the NE Branch trail you get an up close view of those bridges from the underside and it’s a bit alarming to see.
It’s a shame the new Riverdale Road bridge won’t have the arched design of the current one… Further north, I’ve noticed the bridges along Powder Mill Rd between Baltimore Ave. and Edmonston Rd. (over the CSX tracks, and over a creek) have a similar balustrade design and I’ve wondered just how old those bridges are. They evidently precede the usual practice of stamping the year of completion at either end of the bridge.