US Bridges

Shirley Highway over Pohick Creek

Fair

Fairfax County, Virginia · 00.71FR642/02.35TO286 · Structure no. 000000000024153

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
154 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
232,853
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Shirley Highway over Pohick Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Shirley Highway over Pohick Creek in Fairfax County, Virginia. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 232,853 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 259,631 by 2045. The structure is 154 ft (46.9 m) long and 186 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesShirley Highway
CrossesPohick Creek
Location00.71FR642/02.35TO286
RouteInterstate 95
CountyFairfax County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.71399, -77.21806
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.5 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length154 ft (46.9 m)
Longest span154 ft (46.9 m)
Deck width186 ft (56.6 m)
Roadway width177 ft (54 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic232,853 (2022)
Projected traffic259,631 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure9
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$220 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Shirley Highway over Pohick Creek built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is Shirley Highway over Pohick Creek 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 Shirley Highway over Pohick Creek carry?

About 232,853 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Shirley Highway over Pohick Creek?

The structure is 154 ft (46.9 m) long with a longest span of 154 ft (46.9 m) and a deck 186 ft wide.

Who owns Shirley Highway over Pohick Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.