US Bridges

River Birch Road over Merrybrook Run

Fair

Fairfax County, Virginia · 00.30FR665/00.40TO925 · Structure no. 000000000023615

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,058
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

River Birch Road over Merrybrook Run is a concrete culvert carrying River Birch Road over Merrybrook Run in Fairfax County, Virginia. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 2,058 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,005 by 2045. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesRiver Birch Road
CrossesMerrybrook Run
Location00.30FR665/00.40TO925
RouteCounty Highway 8161
CountyFairfax County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.95269, -77.4177
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating65 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,058 (2022)
Projected traffic3,005 by 2045
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$45 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was River Birch Road over Merrybrook Run built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is River Birch Road over Merrybrook 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does River Birch Road over Merrybrook Run carry?

About 2,058 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is River Birch Road over Merrybrook Run?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns River Birch Road over Merrybrook Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.