US Bridges

Franconia Road over Metro & CSX Rwy

Fair

Fairfax County, Virginia · 00.00FR.635/00.05TO1320 · Structure no. 000000000006756

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
147 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30,910
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Franconia Road over Metro & CSX Rwy is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Franconia Road over Metro & CSX Rwy in Fairfax County, Virginia. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 30,910 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,129 by 2042. The structure is 147 ft (44.8 m) long and 109 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesFranconia Road
CrossesMetro & CSX Rwy
Location00.00FR.635/00.05TO1320
RouteCounty Highway 644
CountyFairfax County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.77986, -77.15697
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 8 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.8 US tons
Inventory rating52.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length147 ft (44.8 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width109 ft (33.2 m)
Roadway width87 ft (26.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,910 (2022)
Projected traffic45,129 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$250 million (2026 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Franconia Road over Metro & CSX Rwy built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Franconia Road over Metro & CSX Rwy 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Franconia Road over Metro & CSX Rwy carry?

About 30,910 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Franconia Road over Metro & CSX Rwy?

The structure is 147 ft (44.8 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 109 ft wide.

Who owns Franconia Road over Metro & CSX Rwy?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.