A bridge walked into a bar. The bartender said, 'Why the long span?'
A bridge walked into a bar. The bartender said, 'Why the long span?'
Why did the truss bridge break up with the beam bridge? It needed more support.
over POTOMAC RIVER & CSX RWY
00.34FR671VA/00.30TO180MD
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This bridge has a Fair overall condition rating of 5 out of 9. While it is not classified as structurally deficient, it shows some deterioration that is being monitored.
The bridge carries 25,063 vehicles per day and is 80 years old (reconstructed in 1978).
Its sufficiency rating of 48.7 places it below the national average of 63.6.
The NBI records a navigation clearance of 22 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 2251 feet long — a longer crossing, over 1 minute.
A truss bridge — the steel framework can provide a sense of enclosure.
About 22 feet above ground — moderate height, similar to a 3-5 story building.
About 25,063 vehicles cross daily — moderate traffic, some congestion possible.
The deck is 37 feet wide with 2-3 lanes — moderate width.
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
1946
80 years old (rebuilt 1978)
Structure Type
Steel (Continuous) Truss (Deck)
Total Length
2,251 ft
686.1 m
Deck Width
37 ft
11.2 m
Spans
12
sections between supports
Max Span
190 ft
longest unsupported section (57.9 m)
Traffic Lanes
2 lanes
Two-way traffic
Clearance Below
22 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
25,063vehicles/day
39.32111°N, 77.71004°W
Steel (Continuous) Truss (Deck)
A steel truss bridge uses a framework of interconnected triangular elements. The geometric rigidity of triangles makes this design extremely efficient at distributing loads.
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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.