US Bridges

SR 168 Sbl over Northwest River

Fair

Chesapeake city, Virginia · 1.30NC-STATE/10.09 to 165 · Structure no. 000000000021887

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
610 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
14,164
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 168 Sbl over Northwest River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 168 Sbl over Northwest River in Chesapeake city, Virginia. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 14,164 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20,681 by 2042. The structure is 610 ft (185.9 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 168 Sbl
CrossesNorthwest River
Location1.30NC-STATE/10.09 to 165
RouteState Highway 168
CountyChesapeake city
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.56534, -76.19931
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating82.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans13
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length610 ft (185.9 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,164 (2022)
Projected traffic20,681 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 SR 168 Sbl over Northwest River built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 168 Sbl over Northwest River 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SR 168 Sbl over Northwest River carry?

About 14,164 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is SR 168 Sbl over Northwest River?

The structure is 610 ft (185.9 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SR 168 Sbl over Northwest River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.