US Bridges

Sperryville Pike over Blackwater Creek

Fair

Rappahannock County, Virginia · 6.60 FR 231 & 2.90 to 707 · Structure no. 000000000014660

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
145 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,979
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sperryville Pike over Blackwater Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sperryville Pike over Blackwater Creek in Rappahannock County, Virginia. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 87 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 1,979 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,207 by 2045. The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

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CarriesSperryville Pike
CrossesBlackwater Creek
Location6.60 FR 231 & 2.90 to 707
RouteU.S. Route 522
CountyRappahannock County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.57018, -78.15854
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length145 ft (44.2 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,979 (2022)
Projected traffic2,207 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$200 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sperryville Pike over Blackwater Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is Sperryville Pike over Blackwater 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Sperryville Pike over Blackwater Creek carry?

About 1,979 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Sperryville Pike over Blackwater Creek?

The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Sperryville Pike over Blackwater Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.