US Bridges

Route I-395 Sbl over Fern Street Ext

Fair

Arlington County, Virginia · 00.37FR27/00.8TO Gwmp · Structure no. 000000000000307

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
154 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50,531
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route I-395 Sbl over Fern Street Ext is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route I-395 Sbl over Fern Street Ext in Arlington County, Virginia. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 years old, younger than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 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 50,531 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,342 by 2042. The structure is 154 ft (46.9 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesRoute I-395 Sbl
CrossesFern Street Ext
Location00.37FR27/00.8TO Gwmp
RouteInterstate 395
CountyArlington County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.86648, -77.05654
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating72.4 US tons
Inventory rating55.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length154 ft (46.9 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.5 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50,531 (2022)
Projected traffic56,342 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$250 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Route I-395 Sbl over Fern Street Ext built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route I-395 Sbl over Fern Street Ext 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Route I-395 Sbl over Fern Street Ext carry?

About 50,531 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Route I-395 Sbl over Fern Street Ext?

The structure is 154 ft (46.9 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.5 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns Route I-395 Sbl over Fern Street Ext?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.