US Bridges

Route 0003 over NS Railway

Fair

Culpeper County, Virginia · 0116522 004615 · Structure no. 000000000022572

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
130 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,107
2022 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 0003 over NS Railway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 0003 over NS Railway in Culpeper County, Virginia. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 75 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 9,107 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,187 by 2042. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 0003
CrossesNS Railway
Location0116522 004615
RouteU.S. Route 3
CountyCulpeper County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.45904, -77.99151
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.1 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span43 ft (13 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,107 (2022)
Projected traffic9,187 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$300 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 0003 over NS Railway built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Route 0003 over NS Railway 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Route 0003 over NS Railway carry?

About 9,107 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Route 0003 over NS Railway?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Route 0003 over NS Railway?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.