US Bridges

Blue & Gray Pkway over Rappahannock River @

Fair

Stafford County, Virginia · 0.3M RTE3-0.8M RTE17 · Structure no. 000000000018070

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
680 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
41,005
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blue & Gray Pkway over Rappahannock River @ is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Blue & Gray Pkway over Rappahannock River @ in Stafford County, Virginia. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 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 41,005 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 59,867 by 2042. The structure is 680 ft (207.4 m) long and 76 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesBlue & Gray Pkway
CrossesRappahannock River @
Location0.3M RTE3-0.8M RTE17
RouteState Highway 3
Coordinates38.28986, -77.45124
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80.1 US tons
Inventory rating61.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length680 ft (207.4 m)
Longest span140 ft (42.7 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.1 m)
Roadway width71 ft (21.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic41,005 (2022)
Projected traffic59,867 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Blue & Gray Pkway over Rappahannock River @ built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blue & Gray Pkway over Rappahannock 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Blue & Gray Pkway over Rappahannock River @ carry?

About 41,005 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Blue & Gray Pkway over Rappahannock River @?

The structure is 680 ft (207.4 m) long with a longest span of 140 ft (42.7 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns Blue & Gray Pkway over Rappahannock River @?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.