US Bridges

John Tyler Mem HWY over Powhatan Creek

Fair

James City County, Virginia · 2.70 MI to Route 31 · Structure no. 000000000010464

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,514
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

John Tyler Mem HWY over Powhatan Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying John Tyler Mem HWY over Powhatan Creek in James City County, Virginia. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 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 7,514 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,378 by 2045. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJohn Tyler Mem HWY
CrossesPowhatan Creek
Location2.70 MI to Route 31
RouteState Highway 5
CountyJames City County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.24922, -76.77268
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,514 (2022)
Projected traffic8,378 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$185 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was John Tyler Mem HWY over Powhatan Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is John Tyler Mem HWY over Powhatan Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does John Tyler Mem HWY over Powhatan Creek carry?

About 7,514 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is John Tyler Mem HWY over Powhatan Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns John Tyler Mem HWY over Powhatan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.