US Bridges

Tidewater Trail over Ruffins Pond

Fair

Spotsylvania County, Virginia · 0.4M RTE17-5.1M RTE3 · Structure no. 000000000017916

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
150 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,550
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Tidewater Trail over Ruffins Pond is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Tidewater Trail over Ruffins Pond in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 8,550 vehicles a day, projected to reach 9,533 by 2042. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTidewater Trail
CrossesRuffins Pond
Location0.4M RTE17-5.1M RTE3
RouteU.S. Route 17
CountySpotsylvania County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.23747, -77.41119
Functional classUrban 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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.5 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,550 (2022)
Projected traffic9,533 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 Tidewater Trail over Ruffins Pond built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Tidewater Trail over Ruffins Pond 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Tidewater Trail over Ruffins Pond carry?

About 8,550 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Tidewater Trail over Ruffins Pond?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns Tidewater Trail over Ruffins Pond?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.