US Bridges

Georgetown Pike over Difficult Run

Fair

Fairfax County, Virginia · 00.38FR676/00.81TO738 · Structure no. 000000000006472

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
162 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,345
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Georgetown Pike over Difficult Run is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Georgetown Pike over Difficult Run in Fairfax County, Virginia. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 5 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 18,345 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,455 by 2045. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesGeorgetown Pike
CrossesDifficult Run
Location00.38FR676/00.81TO738
RouteState Highway 193
CountyFairfax County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.97611, -77.24612
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating68.2 US tons
Inventory rating52.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,345 (2022)
Projected traffic20,455 by 2045
Trucks1%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$350 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Georgetown Pike over Difficult Run built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Georgetown Pike over Difficult Run 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Georgetown Pike over Difficult Run carry?

About 18,345 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Georgetown Pike over Difficult Run?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Georgetown Pike over Difficult Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.