US Bridges

Hillwell Road over Poplar Branch

Fair

Chesapeake city, Virginia · 0.56 to 165 /0.26EWELL LA · Structure no. 000000000021823

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
163 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,277
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hillwell Road over Poplar Branch is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Hillwell Road over Poplar Branch in Chesapeake city, Virginia. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 3,277 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4,277 by 2045. The structure is 163 ft (49.6 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesHillwell Road
CrossesPoplar Branch
Location0.56 to 165 /0.26EWELL LA
RouteCity Street 0
CountyChesapeake city
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.69956, -76.22489
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 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 rating91.7 US tons
Inventory rating70.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length163 ft (49.6 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,277 (2022)
Projected traffic4,277 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Hillwell Road over Poplar Branch built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hillwell Road over Poplar Branch 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 Hillwell Road over Poplar Branch carry?

About 3,277 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Hillwell Road over Poplar Branch?

The structure is 163 ft (49.6 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Hillwell Road over Poplar Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.