US Bridges

Jefferson Ave. over Government Ditch

Fair

Newport News city, Virginia · 2.50 to 306 /0.50143& 258 · Structure no. 000000000020677

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
38,150
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Jefferson Ave. over Government Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying Jefferson Ave. over Government Ditch in Newport News city, Virginia. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 6 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 38,150 vehicles a day, projected to reach 42,537 by 2042. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJefferson Ave.
CrossesGovernment Ditch
Location2.50 to 306 /0.50143& 258
RouteU.S. Route 17
CountyNewport News city
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.02629, -76.44894
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
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
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.8 US tons
Inventory rating26.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,150 (2022)
Projected traffic42,537 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 Jefferson Ave. over Government Ditch built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Jefferson Ave. over Government Ditch 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Jefferson Ave. over Government Ditch carry?

About 38,150 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Jefferson Ave. over Government Ditch?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Jefferson Ave. over Government Ditch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.