US Bridges

Gray Road over Poplar Swamp

Fair

Sussex County, Virginia · .55 from 610/.75 to 645 · Structure no. 000000000018314

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
65 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
144
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Gray Road over Poplar Swamp is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Gray Road over Poplar Swamp in Sussex County, Virginia. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 144 vehicles a day, projected to reach 166 by 2045. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesGray Road
CrossesPoplar Swamp
Location.55 from 610/.75 to 645
RouteCounty Highway 609
CountySussex County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.77584, -77.38996
Functional classRural Local

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.
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 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic144 (2014)
Projected traffic166 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 Gray Road over Poplar Swamp built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is Gray Road over Poplar 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 Gray Road over Poplar Swamp carry?

About 144 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is Gray Road over Poplar Swamp?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Gray Road over Poplar Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.