US Bridges

Fairfax County Pky over Popes Head Run

Good

Fairfax County, Virginia · 1.40FR.123/02.35TO620 · Structure no. 000000000024243

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
129 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
32,657
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fairfax County Pky over Popes Head Run is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Fairfax County Pky over Popes Head Run in Fairfax County, Virginia. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 32,657 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 47,681 by 2045. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFairfax County Pky
CrossesPopes Head Run
Location1.40FR.123/02.35TO620
RouteState Highway 286
CountyFairfax County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.80345, -77.34287
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 23 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.4 US tons
Inventory rating49.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span126 ft (38.4 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,657 (2022)
Projected traffic47,681 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$125 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fairfax County Pky over Popes Head Run built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fairfax County Pky over Popes Head Run in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does Fairfax County Pky over Popes Head Run carry?

About 32,657 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Fairfax County Pky over Popes Head Run?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 126 ft (38.4 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns Fairfax County Pky over Popes Head Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.