US Bridges

Baxter Road over Blackwater Swamp

Fair

Prince George County, Virginia · .58 FR Ptbg & 0.71 to 106 · Structure no. 000000000024896

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
63 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,138
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Baxter Road over Blackwater Swamp is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Baxter Road over Blackwater Swamp in Prince George County, Virginia. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 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 3,138 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4,486 by 2045. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesBaxter Road
CrossesBlackwater Swamp
Location.58 FR Ptbg & 0.71 to 106
RouteCounty Highway 603
CountyPrince George County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.2075, -77.32851
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,138 (2022)
Projected traffic4,486 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$220 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Baxter Road over Blackwater Swamp built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is Baxter Road over Blackwater Swamp 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Baxter Road over Blackwater Swamp carry?

About 3,138 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Baxter Road over Blackwater Swamp?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Baxter Road over Blackwater Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.