US Bridges

Pophams Ford Road over Branch Hughes River

Fair

Rappahannock County, Virginia · .10 FR 707 & .90 to End · Structure no. 000000000014684

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
22
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pophams Ford Road over Branch Hughes River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pophams Ford Road over Branch Hughes River in Rappahannock County, Virginia. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 66 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 22 vehicles a day, projected to reach 33 by 2042. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesPophams Ford Road
CrossesBranch Hughes River
Location.10 FR 707 & .90 to End
RouteCounty Highway 603
CountyRappahannock County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.53921, -78.21639
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22 (2019)
Projected traffic33 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pophams Ford Road over Branch Hughes River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is Pophams Ford Road over Branch Hughes 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Pophams Ford Road over Branch Hughes River carry?

About 22 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Pophams Ford Road over Branch Hughes River?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Pophams Ford Road over Branch Hughes River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.