US Bridges

Potomac Avenue over Four Mile Run

Good

Alexandria city, Virginia · N. Fayette St. · Structure no. 000000000029943

Built
1975
50 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
275 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Potomac Avenue over Four Mile Run is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Potomac Avenue over Four Mile Run in Alexandria city, Virginia. It was built in 1975 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 50 years old, younger than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,184 by 2042. The structure is 275 ft (83.8 m) long and 190 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesPotomac Avenue
CrossesFour Mile Run
LocationN. Fayette St.
RouteCity Street 0
CountyAlexandria city
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.84087, -77.04931
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 23 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99.1 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length275 ft (83.8 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width190 ft (57.9 m)
Roadway width49 ft (14.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2018)
Projected traffic5,184 by 2042
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Potomac Avenue over Four Mile Run built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is Potomac Avenue over Four Mile Run in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does Potomac Avenue over Four Mile Run carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Potomac Avenue over Four Mile Run?

The structure is 275 ft (83.8 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 190 ft wide.

Who owns Potomac Avenue over Four Mile Run?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.