US Bridges

Bus Ramp over Shirlington Circle

Fair

Arlington County, Virginia · 00.34FR120/00.07TO402 · Structure no. 000000000019896

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
301 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
23,758
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bus Ramp over Shirlington Circle is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bus Ramp over Shirlington Circle in Arlington County, Virginia. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 years old, older 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 23,758 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,000 by 2042. The structure is 301 ft (91.7 m) long and 23 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesBus Ramp
CrossesShirlington Circle
Location00.34FR120/00.07TO402
RouteInterstate 0
CountyArlington County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.8425, -77.08293
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 23 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.1 US tons
Inventory rating54.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length301 ft (91.7 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,758 (2018)
Projected traffic15,000 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$200 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Bus Ramp over Shirlington Circle built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bus Ramp over Shirlington Circle 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Bus Ramp over Shirlington Circle carry?

About 23,758 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Bus Ramp over Shirlington Circle?

The structure is 301 ft (91.7 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Bus Ramp over Shirlington Circle?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.