US Bridges

Waples Mill Road over Difficult Run

FairPosted for load

Fairfax County, Virginia · 00.00FR.664W/00.32TO664E · Structure no. 000000000006814

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,899
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Waples Mill Road over Difficult Run is a steel culvert carrying Waples Mill Road over Difficult Run in Fairfax County, Virginia. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 4,899 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,462 by 2045. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesWaples Mill Road
CrossesDifficult Run
Location00.00FR.664W/00.32TO664E
RouteCounty Highway 665
CountyFairfax County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.8747, -77.33787
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,899 (2022)
Projected traffic5,462 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$5,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Waples Mill Road over Difficult Run built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Waples Mill Road 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Waples Mill Road over Difficult Run carry?

About 4,899 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Waples Mill Road over Difficult Run?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns Waples Mill Road over Difficult Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.