US Bridges

I-95 & I-495 over Potomac River

Fair

Fairfax County, Virginia · 0000VA Line / 0000MD Line · Structure no. 000000000028635

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
6,087 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
60,262
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 2006, so it is 19 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 60,262 vehicles a day, projected to reach 67,192 by 2042. The structure is 6,087 ft (1,855.3 m) long and 110 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
Location0000VA Line / 0000MD Line
RouteInterstate 95
CountyFairfax County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.79293, -77.04636
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 rating71.5 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 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 width110 ft (33.5 m)
Roadway width104 ft (31.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60,262 (2022)
Projected traffic67,192 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 2006, making it 19 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 60,262 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 110 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the Other State Agency.