US Bridges

Vale Road over Difficult Run

Fair

Fairfax County, Virginia · 00.07FR.7053/00.20TO2547 · Structure no. 000000000006826

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
152 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,915
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Vale Road over Difficult Run is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Vale Road over Difficult Run in Fairfax County, Virginia. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 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 4,915 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7,176 by 2042. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesVale Road
CrossesDifficult Run
Location00.07FR.7053/00.20TO2547
RouteCounty Highway 672
CountyFairfax County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.90351, -77.31908
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionJuly 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.5 US tons
Inventory rating46.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,915 (2022)
Projected traffic7,176 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$250 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Vale Road over Difficult Run built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Vale 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Vale Road over Difficult Run carry?

About 4,915 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Vale Road over Difficult Run?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Vale Road over Difficult Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.