US Bridges

I-95 & I-495 over Potomac River

Fair

Fairfax County, Virginia · 24 J-7 · Structure no. 000000000027128

Built
2008
17 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
6,087 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
66,331
2022 count
Owner
State
Other State Agency

About this bridge

I-95 & I-495 over Potomac River is a steel movable - bascule carrying I-95 & I-495 over Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia. It was built in 2008, so it is 17 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 66,331 vehicles a day, projected to reach 73,959 by 2042. The structure is 6,087 ft (1,855.3 m) long and 124 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 62.8 mi (101 km).

Location

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CarriesI-95 & I-495
CrossesPotomac River
Location24 J-7
RouteInterstate 95
CountyFairfax County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.79347, -77.04628
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69.4 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+32 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length6,087 ft (1,855.3 m)
Longest span270 ft (82.3 m)
Deck width124 ft (37.7 m)
Roadway width104 ft (31.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic66,331 (2022)
Projected traffic73,959 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed62.8 mi (101 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther State Agency
Maintained byOther State Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-95 & I-495 over Potomac River built?

It was built in 2008, making it 17 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-95 & I-495 over Potomac River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does I-95 & I-495 over Potomac River carry?

About 66,331 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is I-95 & I-495 over Potomac River?

The structure is 6,087 ft (1,855.3 m) long with a longest span of 270 ft (82.3 m) and a deck 124 ft wide.

Who owns I-95 & I-495 over Potomac River?

It is owned by the Other State Agency.