US Bridges

Potomac River Road over S Branch Potomac River

Fair

Highland County, Virginia · 0.02 Rt 625 - 0.01 Rt 642 · Structure no. 000000000010226

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
113 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,314
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Potomac River Road over S Branch Potomac River is a concrete tee beam carrying Potomac River Road over S Branch Potomac River in Highland County, Virginia. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 1,314 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,918 by 2045. The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

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CarriesPotomac River Road
CrossesS Branch Potomac River
Location0.02 Rt 625 - 0.01 Rt 642
RouteU.S. Route 220
CountyHighland County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.48206, -79.50922
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating45.3 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length113 ft (34.4 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,314 (2022)
Projected traffic1,918 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$375 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Potomac River Road over S Branch Potomac River built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is Potomac River Road over S Branch 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Potomac River Road over S Branch Potomac River carry?

About 1,314 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Potomac River Road over S Branch Potomac River?

The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Potomac River Road over S Branch Potomac River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.