US Bridges

Route 156 over James River

Fair

Prince George County, Virginia · Prnc Geo & Chrls Cty Cls · Structure no. 000000000014069

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
4,463 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,716
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 156 over James River is a steel movable - lift carrying Route 156 over James River in Prince George County, Virginia. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 6,716 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7,488 by 2045. The structure is 4,463 ft (1,360.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 156
CrossesJames River
LocationPrnc Geo & Chrls Cty Cls
RouteState Highway 156
CountyPrince George County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.31261, -77.22275
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.1 US tons
Inventory rating34.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+65 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length4,463 ft (1,360.4 m)
Longest span364 ft (110.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,716 (2022)
Projected traffic7,488 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$330 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 156 over James River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 156 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Route 156 over James River carry?

About 6,716 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Route 156 over James River?

The structure is 4,463 ft (1,360.4 m) long with a longest span of 364 ft (110.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Route 156 over James River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.