US Bridges

Salt Dome Access over Long Branch

Fair

Fairfax County, Virginia · Newington Maint.Hqts.Lot · Structure no. 000000000026251

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Salt Dome Access over Long Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Salt Dome Access over Long Branch in Fairfax County, Virginia. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 5 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 50 vehicles a day, roughly 75% of them trucks, projected to reach 60 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSalt Dome Access
CrossesLong Branch
LocationNewington Maint.Hqts.Lot
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFairfax County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.73148, -77.18421
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.5 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2004)
Projected traffic60 by 2042
Trucks75%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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$75 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Salt Dome Access over Long Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Salt Dome Access over Long Branch 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Salt Dome Access over Long Branch carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 75% are trucks.

How long is Salt Dome Access over Long Branch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Salt Dome Access over Long Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.