US Bridges

Merrimac Trail over Queens Creek

PoorPosted for load

Williamsburg city, Virginia · 0.00 MI to Williamsburg · Structure no. 000000000019860

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
129 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,824
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Merrimac Trail over Queens Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Merrimac Trail over Queens Creek in Williamsburg city, Virginia. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 years old, older 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 7,824 vehicles a day, projected to reach 8,724 by 2042. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesMerrimac Trail
CrossesQueens Creek
Location0.00 MI to Williamsburg
RouteState Highway 143
CountyWilliamsburg city
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.29273, -76.68692
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29.7 US tons
Inventory rating17.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.3 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.7 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,824 (2022)
Projected traffic8,724 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$215 million (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Merrimac Trail over Queens Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is Merrimac Trail over Queens Creek 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Merrimac Trail over Queens Creek carry?

About 7,824 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Merrimac Trail over Queens Creek?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.3 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns Merrimac Trail over Queens Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.