US Bridges

Steel Bridge Road over Poplar Swamp

Fair

Sussex County, Virginia · .90 from 715/1.20 to 609 · Structure no. 000000000018355

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
75 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
31
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Steel Bridge Road over Poplar Swamp is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Steel Bridge Road over Poplar Swamp in Sussex County, Virginia. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 31 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2045. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSteel Bridge Road
CrossesPoplar Swamp
Location.90 from 715/1.20 to 609
RouteCounty Highway 635
CountySussex County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.77386, -77.35434
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.3 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic31 (2017)
Projected traffic35 by 2045
Trucks0%
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 Steel Bridge Road over Poplar Swamp built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Steel Bridge 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 Steel Bridge Road over Poplar Swamp carry?

About 31 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is Steel Bridge Road over Poplar Swamp?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Steel Bridge Road over Poplar Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.