US Bridges

Amherst Drive over Flat Branch

FairPosted for load

Prince William County, Virginia · 00.05FR.1503/00.04TO1508 · Structure no. 000000000014407

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,544
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Amherst Drive over Flat Branch is a steel culvert carrying Amherst Drive over Flat Branch in Prince William County, Virginia. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 8,544 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10,873 by 2045. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesAmherst Drive
CrossesFlat Branch
Location00.05FR.1503/00.04TO1508
RouteCounty Highway 1502
CountyPrince William County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.78963, -77.47575
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating20 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,544 (2022)
Projected traffic10,873 by 2045
Trucks0%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$15 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Amherst Drive over Flat Branch built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Amherst Drive over Flat Branch 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Amherst Drive over Flat Branch carry?

About 8,544 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Amherst Drive over Flat Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns Amherst Drive over Flat Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.