I-495 over Potomac River
FairFairfax County, Virginia · 1.25 FR193VA&2.14 TO190MD · Structure no. 000000000006634
- Built
- 1963
- 62 years old, rebuilt 1986
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected August 2023
- Type
- Girder and Floorbeam System
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 1,443 ft
- 8 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 214,940
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- Other State Agency
About this bridge
I-495 over Potomac River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying I-495 over Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 62 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 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 214,940 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 239,658 by 2042. The structure is 1,443 ft (439.8 m) long and 137 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was I-495 over Potomac River built?
It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.
What condition is I-495 over Potomac River 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 August 2023.
How much traffic does I-495 over Potomac River carry?
About 214,940 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.
How long is I-495 over Potomac River?
The structure is 1,443 ft (439.8 m) long with a longest span of 280 ft (85.3 m) and a deck 137 ft wide.
Who owns I-495 over Potomac River?
It is owned by the Other State Agency.