US Bridges

Blackwater Road over Blackwater River

Fair

Southampton County, Virginia · 0.00 Mi.Fr.Soham.Co.Line · Structure no. 000000000010386

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
167 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,293
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blackwater Road over Blackwater River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Blackwater Road over Blackwater River in Southampton County, Virginia. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 1,293 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,888 by 2042. The structure is 167 ft (51 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBlackwater Road
CrossesBlackwater River
Location0.00 Mi.Fr.Soham.Co.Line
RouteCounty Highway 603
CountySouthampton County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.80385, -76.86282
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71 US tons
Inventory rating54 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length167 ft (51 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,293 (2022)
Projected traffic1,888 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$60 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Blackwater Road over Blackwater River built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blackwater Road over Blackwater 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Blackwater Road over Blackwater River carry?

About 1,293 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Blackwater Road over Blackwater River?

The structure is 167 ft (51 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Blackwater Road over Blackwater River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.