US Bridges

Scotland Ferry over James River

FairPosted for load

Surry County, Virginia · 4.41 Miles from Route 10 · Structure no. 000000000023137

Built
1991
34 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
630 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,972
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Scotland Ferry over James River is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Scotland Ferry over James River in Surry County, Virginia. It was built in 1991 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 34 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,972 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,520 by 2045. The structure is 630 ft (192 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

CarriesScotland Ferry
CrossesJames River
Location4.41 Miles from Route 10
RouteState Highway 31
Coordinates37.18415, -76.78571
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.6 US tons
Inventory rating43.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+13 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length630 ft (192 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck12 ft (3.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,972 (2022)
Projected traffic2,520 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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$125 million (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Scotland Ferry over James River built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is Scotland Ferry over James 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Scotland Ferry over James River carry?

About 1,972 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Scotland Ferry over James River?

The structure is 630 ft (192 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Scotland Ferry over James River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.