US Bridges

I-66 and Metrorail over Bear Branch

Fair

Fairfax County, Virginia · 0073243 0170495 · Structure no. 000000000006341

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
146,066
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-66 and Metrorail over Bear Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I-66 and Metrorail over Bear Branch in Fairfax County, Virginia. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 146,066 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 162,864 by 2045. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesI-66 and Metrorail
CrossesBear Branch
Location0073243 0170495
RouteInterstate 66
CountyFairfax County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.87907, -77.25342
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic146,066 (2022)
Projected traffic162,864 by 2045
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-66 and Metrorail over Bear Branch built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-66 and Metrorail 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does I-66 and Metrorail over Bear Branch carry?

About 146,066 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is I-66 and Metrorail over Bear Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I-66 and Metrorail over Bear Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.