US Bridges

Popes Station Road over Buckhorn Swamp

Good

Southampton County, Virginia · 1.70 Mi. to Int. Rte. 652 · Structure no. 000000000017773

Built
1979
46 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
237
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Popes Station Road over Buckhorn Swamp is a steel culvert carrying Popes Station Road over Buckhorn Swamp in Southampton County, Virginia. It was built in 1979 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 46 years old, younger than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 237 vehicles a day, projected to reach 269 by 2045. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesPopes Station Road
CrossesBuckhorn Swamp
Location1.70 Mi. to Int. Rte. 652
RouteCounty Highway 609
CountySouthampton County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.74398, -77.16696
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic237 (2018)
Projected traffic269 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$6.5 million (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Popes Station Road over Buckhorn Swamp built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is Popes Station Road over Buckhorn Swamp in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does Popes Station Road over Buckhorn Swamp carry?

About 237 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is Popes Station Road over Buckhorn Swamp?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.4 m).

Who owns Popes Station Road over Buckhorn Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.