US Bridges

Bell Road over Seacock Swamp

Good

Southampton County, Virginia · 1.64 to 618 0.80 to 616 · Structure no. 000000000017801

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
86
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bell Road over Seacock Swamp is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bell Road over Seacock Swamp in Southampton County, Virginia. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 62 years old, older 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 86 vehicles a day, projected to reach 98 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBell Road
CrossesSeacock Swamp
Location1.64 to 618 0.80 to 616
RouteCounty Highway 622
CountySouthampton County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.91008, -76.90952
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating68.5 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic86 (2018)
Projected traffic98 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$166 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bell Road over Seacock Swamp built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is Bell Road over Seacock 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Bell Road over Seacock Swamp carry?

About 86 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is Bell Road over Seacock Swamp?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Bell Road over Seacock Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.