US Bridges

Waterway Drive over Powells Creek

Fair

Prince William County, Virginia · 00.25FR.1461/00.05TO1024 · Structure no. 000000000014404

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,121
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Waterway Drive over Powells Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Waterway Drive over Powells Creek in Prince William County, Virginia. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 12,121 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,032 by 2042. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesWaterway Drive
CrossesPowells Creek
Location00.25FR.1461/00.05TO1024
RouteCounty Highway 1451
Coordinates38.61158, -77.33745
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating98.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,121 (2022)
Projected traffic15,032 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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$100 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Waterway Drive over Powells Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Waterway Drive over Powells 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Waterway Drive over Powells Creek carry?

About 12,121 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Waterway Drive over Powells Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Waterway Drive over Powells Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.