A bridge walked into a bar. The bartender said, 'Why the long span?'
A bridge walked into a bar. The bartender said, 'Why the long span?'
Why did the truss bridge break up with the beam bridge? It needed more support.
over RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER @
MIDSEX.- LANC. CO.LINE
Parametric wireframe generated from real NBI dimensions. Drag to rotate, scroll to zoom.
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This bridge has a Fair overall condition rating of 5 out of 9. While it is not classified as structurally deficient, it shows some deterioration that is being monitored.
The bridge carries 7,559 vehicles per day and is 69 years old (reconstructed in 1996).
Its sufficiency rating of 63.3 places it below the national average of 63.6.
For travelers with bridge anxiety
This bridge has some features that may be challenging for travelers with bridge anxiety. See the tips below for a more comfortable crossing.
This bridge is 9989 feet long — an extended crossing, several minutes.
A truss bridge — the steel framework can provide a sense of enclosure.
No height data available — likely a standard overpass height.
About 7,559 vehicles cross daily — light traffic, a smooth crossing.
The deck is 26 feet wide with 1-2 lanes — a narrower crossing.
This bridge crosses over water. Focus on the road ahead — the water is far below.
This comfort score is designed to help individuals with bridge anxiety plan their travel. All bridges in the National Bridge Inventory are regularly inspected and deemed safe for travel. This is not medical advice — if you experience severe anxiety, please consult a healthcare professional.
Year Built
1957
69 years old (rebuilt 1996)
Structure Type
Steel Truss (Thru)
Total Length
1.89 mi
3044.6 m
Deck Width
26 ft
7.9 m
Spans
1
sections between supports
Max Span
648 ft
longest unsupported section (197.5 m)
Traffic Lanes
2 lanes
Two-way traffic
Daily Traffic
7,559vehicles/day
37.61391°N, 76.43336°W
Steel Truss (Thru)
A steel truss bridge uses a framework of interconnected triangular elements. The geometric rigidity of triangles makes this design extremely efficient at distributing loads.
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Data from the National Bridge Inventory (NBI), maintained by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Data year: 2025. Conditions may have changed since the last inspection.
This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as the sole basis for any decisions related to bridge safety or transportation planning. Always consult official sources and local authorities for the most current data.