US Bridges

Smiths Ferry Road over Nottoway River

Fair

Southampton County, Virginia · 2.00 MI to N C State Line · Structure no. 000000000017756

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
850 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
5,841
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Smiths Ferry Road over Nottoway River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Smiths Ferry Road over Nottoway River in Southampton County, Virginia. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 6 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 5,841 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,513 by 2045. The structure is 850 ft (259.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.2 mi (55 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSmiths Ferry Road
CrossesNottoway River
Location2.00 MI to N C State Line
RouteU.S. Route 258
CountySouthampton County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.56599, -76.94663
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating55 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans13
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length850 ft (259.1 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,841 (2022)
Projected traffic6,513 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.2 mi (55 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$360.5 million (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Smiths Ferry Road over Nottoway River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Smiths Ferry Road over Nottoway 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Smiths Ferry Road over Nottoway River carry?

About 5,841 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Smiths Ferry Road over Nottoway River?

The structure is 850 ft (259.1 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Smiths Ferry Road over Nottoway River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.