US Bridges

Capital Beltway over Scotts Run

Fair

Fairfax County, Virginia · 01.86FR123/00.73TO193 · Structure no. 000000000006583

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
164 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
151,154
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Capital Beltway over Scotts Run is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Capital Beltway over Scotts Run in Fairfax County, Virginia. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 63 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 151,154 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 168,537 by 2042. The structure is 164 ft (50 m) long and 144 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesCapital Beltway
CrossesScotts Run
Location01.86FR123/00.73TO193
RouteInterstate 495
CountyFairfax County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.94626, -77.20205
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87.7 US tons
Inventory rating67.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length164 ft (50 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width144 ft (43.9 m)
Roadway width136 ft (41.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic151,154 (2022)
Projected traffic168,537 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure8
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$150 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Capital Beltway over Scotts Run built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Capital Beltway over Scotts 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does Capital Beltway over Scotts Run carry?

About 151,154 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Capital Beltway over Scotts Run?

The structure is 164 ft (50 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 144 ft wide.

Who owns Capital Beltway over Scotts Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.