US Bridges

Beef Steak Road over Black Swamp

Fair

Sussex County, Virginia · 2.70 to 625/0.50 to 651 · Structure no. 000000000018331

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
28 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
177
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Beef Steak Road over Black Swamp is a steel culvert carrying Beef Steak Road over Black Swamp in Sussex County, Virginia. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 177 vehicles a day, projected to reach 281 by 2042. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBeef Steak Road
CrossesBlack Swamp
Location2.70 to 625/0.50 to 651
RouteCounty Highway 626
CountySussex County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.04106, -77.14323
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHL 93
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic177 (2014)
Projected traffic281 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 Beef Steak Road over Black Swamp built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Beef Steak Road over Black 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Beef Steak Road over Black Swamp carry?

About 177 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is Beef Steak Road over Black Swamp?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns Beef Steak Road over Black Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.