US Bridges

Head of River Road over Blackwater River

Fair

Virginia Beach city, Virginia · 1.50BLACKW RD0.35CITY Che · Structure no. 000000000022177

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
24 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
707
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Head of River Road over Blackwater River is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron culvert carrying Head of River Road over Blackwater River in Virginia Beach city, Virginia. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 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 707 vehicles a day, projected to reach 884 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHead of River Road
CrossesBlackwater River
Location1.50BLACKW RD0.35CITY Che
RouteCity Street 0
CountyVirginia Beach city
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.61746, -76.11697
Functional classUrban Collector

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.7 US tons
Inventory rating22.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic707 (2022)
Projected traffic884 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Head of River Road over Blackwater River built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is Head of River Road over Blackwater 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Head of River Road over Blackwater River carry?

About 707 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Head of River Road over Blackwater River?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m).

Who owns Head of River Road over Blackwater River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.