US Bridges

US 13 Sbl over Nansemond River

Fair

Suffolk city, Virginia · 0.39 to 642 / 1.48 to 10 · Structure no. 000000000022040

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
1,053 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
30,806
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 13 Sbl over Nansemond River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 13 Sbl over Nansemond River in Suffolk city, Virginia. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 30,806 vehicles a day, projected to reach 44,977 by 2045. The structure is 1,053 ft (321 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 13 Sbl
CrossesNansemond River
Location0.39 to 642 / 1.48 to 10
RouteU.S. Route 13
CountySuffolk city
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.76497, -76.5632
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.1 US tons
Inventory rating70.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+8 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length1,053 ft (321 m)
Longest span159 ft (48.5 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,806 (2022)
Projected traffic44,977 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 13 Sbl over Nansemond River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 13 Sbl over Nansemond 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 13 Sbl over Nansemond River carry?

About 30,806 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is US 13 Sbl over Nansemond River?

The structure is 1,053 ft (321 m) long with a longest span of 159 ft (48.5 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 13 Sbl over Nansemond River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.