U.S. Route 17 over Dismal Swamp Canal
PoorPosted for loadIsle of Wight County, Virginia · Deep Creek · Structure no. 000000000001818
- Built
- 1934
- 91 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected September 2024
- Type
- Movable - Bascule
- Steel
- Length
- 130 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 35,000
- 2021 count
- Owner
- Federal
- Corps of Engineers (Civil)
About this bridge
U.S. Route 17 over Dismal Swamp Canal is a steel movable - bascule carrying U.S. Route 17 over Dismal Swamp Canal in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.
The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.
It carries about 35,000 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 51,000 by 2042. The structure is 130 ft (39.5 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 9 Excellent | No problems noted. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was U.S. Route 17 over Dismal Swamp Canal built?
It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.
What condition is U.S. Route 17 over Dismal Swamp Canal in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.
How much traffic does U.S. Route 17 over Dismal Swamp Canal carry?
About 35,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.
How long is U.S. Route 17 over Dismal Swamp Canal?
The structure is 130 ft (39.5 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.
Who owns U.S. Route 17 over Dismal Swamp Canal?
It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil).