US Bridges

Sussex Drive over Southwest Swamp

Fair

Sussex County, Virginia · 0.50 MI to I-95 · Structure no. 000000000018234

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
126 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,375
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sussex Drive over Southwest Swamp is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sussex Drive over Southwest Swamp in Sussex 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 2,375 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,648 by 2045. The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesSussex Drive
CrossesSouthwest Swamp
Location0.50 MI to I-95
RouteState Highway 40
CountySussex County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.94374, -77.38452
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82 US tons
Inventory rating63.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length126 ft (38.4 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.7 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,375 (2022)
Projected traffic2,648 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 Sussex Drive over Southwest Swamp built?

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

What condition is Sussex Drive over Southwest Swamp 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Sussex Drive over Southwest Swamp carry?

About 2,375 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Sussex Drive over Southwest Swamp?

The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns Sussex Drive over Southwest Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.