Fun fact: Covered bridges were roofed to protect the wood, not the travelers.
Fun fact: Covered bridges were roofed to protect the wood, not the travelers.
A bridge walked into a bar. The bartender said, 'Why the long span?'
over CABIN JOHN CREEK
1.5 MI. E. OF I-495
Parametric wireframe generated from real NBI dimensions. Drag to rotate, scroll to zoom.
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This bridge has a Fair overall condition rating of 6 out of 9. While it is not classified as structurally deficient, it shows some deterioration that is being monitored.
The bridge carries 12,300 vehicles per day and is 163 years old (reconstructed in 2001).
Its sufficiency rating of 44.1 places it below the national average of 63.6.
The NBI records a navigation clearance of 51 feet — the minimum vertical space below the bridge deck. The total height of the bridge structure (including towers, railings, and superstructure) may be higher.
For travelers with bridge anxiety
This bridge has some features that may be challenging for travelers with bridge anxiety. See the tips below for a more comfortable crossing.
This bridge is 450 feet long — a short crossing, about 10-15 seconds.
An arch bridge design with some openness to the surroundings.
About 51 feet above ground — an elevated crossing, similar to a 5-10 story building.
About 12,300 vehicles cross daily — moderate traffic, some congestion possible.
The deck is 17 feet wide with 1-2 lanes — a narrower crossing.
This bridge crosses over water. Focus on the road ahead — the water is far below.
This comfort score is designed to help individuals with bridge anxiety plan their travel. All bridges in the National Bridge Inventory are regularly inspected and deemed safe for travel. This is not medical advice — if you experience severe anxiety, please consult a healthcare professional.
Year Built
1863
163 years old (rebuilt 2001)
Structure Type
Masonry Arch (Deck)
Total Length
450 ft
137.1 m
Deck Width
17 ft
5.3 m
Spans
1
sections between supports
Max Span
220 ft
longest unsupported section (67.0 m)
Traffic Lanes
1 lane
Clearance Below
51 ft
navigation clearance under deck
Clearance height compared to familiar objects
Height shown is the navigation clearance below the bridge deck. The total height of the bridge structure (including towers and superstructure) may be higher.
Daily Traffic
12,300vehicles/day
38.97277°N, 77.14863°W
Masonry Arch (Deck)
A masonry arch bridge uses stone or brick arranged in an arch shape — one of the oldest bridge designs in the world. The arch transfers loads to the abutments through compression.
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Data from the National Bridge Inventory (NBI), maintained by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Data year: 2025. Conditions may have changed since the last inspection.
This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as the sole basis for any decisions related to bridge safety or transportation planning. Always consult official sources and local authorities for the most current data.