US Bridges

Blue Star Highway over Southwest Swamp

Fair

Sussex County, Virginia · 0.01 MI South of Route 40 · Structure no. 000000000018286

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
136 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,210
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blue Star Highway over Southwest Swamp is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Blue Star Highway 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 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 1,210 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,349 by 2045. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBlue Star Highway
CrossesSouthwest Swamp
Location0.01 MI South of Route 40
RouteU.S. Route 301
CountySussex County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.94121, -77.39362
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,210 (2022)
Projected traffic1,349 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
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 Blue Star Highway over Southwest Swamp built?

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

What condition is Blue Star Highway 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Blue Star Highway over Southwest Swamp carry?

About 1,210 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Blue Star Highway over Southwest Swamp?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Blue Star Highway over Southwest Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.