US Bridges

Rolfe Highway over Blackwater River

Fair

Surry County, Virginia · 0.65 Miles from Route 604 · Structure no. 000000000018182

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
254 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,713
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rolfe Highway over Blackwater River is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Rolfe Highway over Blackwater River in Surry County, Virginia. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 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 1,713 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,805 by 2042. The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRolfe Highway
CrossesBlackwater River
Location0.65 Miles from Route 604
RouteState Highway 31
CountySurry County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.02705, -76.9628
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.8 US tons
Inventory rating36.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length254 ft (77.4 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,713 (2022)
Projected traffic1,805 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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$120 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rolfe Highway over Blackwater River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rolfe Highway over Blackwater 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Rolfe Highway over Blackwater River carry?

About 1,713 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Rolfe Highway over Blackwater River?

The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Rolfe Highway over Blackwater River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.