US Bridges

Colonial Parkway over Back River

Fair

James City County, Virginia · 7.6 Miles South of Va Rou · Structure no. 4290026P0000000

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
54 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,319
2007 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Colonial Parkway over Back River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Colonial Parkway over Back River in James City County, Virginia. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 1,319 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,451 by 2027. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesColonial Parkway
CrossesBack River
Location7.6 Miles South of Va Rou
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyJames City County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.21453, -76.79994
Functional classUrban Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.5 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,319 (2007)
Projected traffic1,451 by 2027
Trucks13%
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

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$80,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Colonial Parkway over Back River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is Colonial Parkway over Back 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 2023.

How much traffic does Colonial Parkway over Back River carry?

About 1,319 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Colonial Parkway over Back River?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.5 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Colonial Parkway over Back River?

It is owned by the National Park Service.