US Bridges

Tidewater Trail over Ware Creek

Fair

Caroline County, Virginia · 4.2M Spot CL-8.1M RTE 301 · Structure no. 000000000004365

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,606
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Tidewater Trail over Ware Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Tidewater Trail over Ware Creek in Caroline County, Virginia. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 6 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 5,606 vehicles a day, projected to reach 8,185 by 2042. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTidewater Trail
CrossesWare Creek
Location4.2M Spot CL-8.1M RTE 301
RouteU.S. Route 17
CountyCaroline County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.21989, -77.29993
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,606 (2022)
Projected traffic8,185 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Tidewater Trail over Ware Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Tidewater Trail over Ware Creek 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Tidewater Trail over Ware Creek carry?

About 5,606 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Tidewater Trail over Ware Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns Tidewater Trail over Ware Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.