US Bridges

Tidewater Drive over NS Railway

Fair

Norfolk city, Virginia · 3.0958 & 337/6.66ECL Hamp · Structure no. 000000000020939

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
561 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
37,837
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Tidewater Drive over NS Railway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Tidewater Drive over NS Railway in Norfolk city, Virginia. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 37,837 vehicles a day, projected to reach 47,094 by 2045. The structure is 561 ft (171 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTidewater Drive
CrossesNS Railway
Location3.0958 & 337/6.66ECL Hamp
RouteState Highway 168
CountyNorfolk city
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.89631, -76.25664
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length561 ft (171 m)
Longest span87 ft (26.5 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.5 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic37,837 (2022)
Projected traffic47,094 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$449 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Tidewater Drive over NS Railway built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Tidewater Drive over NS Railway 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Tidewater Drive over NS Railway carry?

About 37,837 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Tidewater Drive over NS Railway?

The structure is 561 ft (171 m) long with a longest span of 87 ft (26.5 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Tidewater Drive over NS Railway?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.