US Bridges

Lee Highway over Bear Branch

Fair

Fairfax County, Virginia · 00.06FR700/00.18TO1076 · Structure no. 000000000006279

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
51 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
26,406
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lee Highway over Bear Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Lee Highway over Bear Branch in Fairfax County, Virginia. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 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 26,406 vehicles a day, projected to reach 36,358 by 2045. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesLee Highway
CrossesBear Branch
Location00.06FR700/00.18TO1076
RouteU.S. Route 29
CountyFairfax County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.87251, -77.25428
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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 rating93 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,406 (2022)
Projected traffic36,358 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$175 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lee Highway over Bear Branch built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lee Highway over Bear Branch 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Lee Highway over Bear Branch carry?

About 26,406 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Lee Highway over Bear Branch?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Lee Highway over Bear Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.