US Bridges

US 17 over James River

Fair

Isle of Wight County, Virginia · 0.91 Mi. Fr. Rte. 60 · Structure no. 000000000010364

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
23,200 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
34,140
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 17 over James River is a steel movable - lift carrying US 17 over James River in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 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 34,140 vehicles a day, projected to reach 39,930 by 2042. The structure is 23,200 ft (7,071.4 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 17
CrossesJames River
Location0.91 Mi. Fr. Rte. 60
RouteU.S. Route 17
CountyIsle of Wight County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.96753, -76.51182
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+302 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length23,200 ft (7,071.4 m)
Longest span415 ft (126.5 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.8 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,140 (2022)
Projected traffic39,930 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$250 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 17 over James River built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 17 over James 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 17 over James River carry?

About 34,140 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is US 17 over James River?

The structure is 23,200 ft (7,071.4 m) long with a longest span of 415 ft (126.5 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns US 17 over James River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.