US Bridges

Sherrow Avenue over Tripps Run

PoorPosted for load

Falls Church city, Virginia · 0.2 Mi. N. of So.Va Ave. · Structure no. 000000000030146

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
36 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,000
2013 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sherrow Avenue over Tripps Run is a steel culvert carrying Sherrow Avenue over Tripps Run in Falls Church city, Virginia. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,350 by 2042. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSherrow Avenue
CrossesTripps Run
Location0.2 Mi. N. of So.Va Ave.
RouteCity Street 0
CountyFalls Church city
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.88341, -77.18174
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating17 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (2013)
Projected traffic1,350 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
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 Sherrow Avenue over Tripps Run built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sherrow Avenue over Tripps Run in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does Sherrow Avenue over Tripps Run carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Sherrow Avenue over Tripps Run?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Sherrow Avenue over Tripps Run?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.