US Bridges

Ballahack Road over Newland Swamp

Fair

Chesapeake city, Virginia · 0.10LAKE DRUM2.70BUNCH W · Structure no. 000000000021813

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,220
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ballahack Road over Newland Swamp is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ballahack Road over Newland Swamp in Chesapeake city, 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 1,220 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,360 by 2045. The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesBallahack Road
CrossesNewland Swamp
Location0.10LAKE DRUM2.70BUNCH W
RouteCity Street 0
CountyChesapeake city
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.60113, -76.32581
Functional classUrban 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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.7 US tons
Inventory rating36.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length30 ft (9.2 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,220 (2022)
Projected traffic1,360 by 2045
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Ballahack Road over Newland Swamp built?

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

What condition is Ballahack Road over Newland 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Ballahack Road over Newland Swamp carry?

About 1,220 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Ballahack Road over Newland Swamp?

The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Ballahack Road over Newland Swamp?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.