US Bridges

Blue Bird Road over Waqua Creek

PoorPosted for load

Brunswick County, Virginia · 1.69 FR 137 & .9 to 616 · Structure no. 000000000003666

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
222
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blue Bird Road over Waqua Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Blue Bird Road over Waqua Creek in Brunswick County, Virginia. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 222 vehicles a day, projected to reach 324 by 2045. The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBlue Bird Road
CrossesWaqua Creek
Location1.69 FR 137 & .9 to 616
RouteCounty Highway 617
CountyBrunswick County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.92488, -77.98415
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating16 US tons
Inventory rating9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.2 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic222 (2022)
Projected traffic324 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$119 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Blue Bird Road over Waqua Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blue Bird Road over Waqua Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Blue Bird Road over Waqua Creek carry?

About 222 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Blue Bird Road over Waqua Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Blue Bird Road over Waqua Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.