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?'
What's a bridge's favorite exercise? Cross-fit.
over E. Br. Elizabeth River
0.10 TO 264 /0.30IND RI R
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 38,918 vehicles per day and is 40 years old.
Its sufficiency rating of 62.1 places it below the national average of 63.6.
The NBI records a navigation clearance of 65 feet — the minimum vertical space below the bridge deck. The total height of the bridge structure (including towers, railings, and superstructure) may be higher.
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 2482 feet long — a longer crossing, over 1 minute.
A standard overpass design with solid barriers on each side.
About 65 feet above ground — an elevated crossing, similar to a 5-10 story building.
About 38,918 vehicles cross daily — moderate traffic, some congestion possible.
The deck is 94 feet wide with multiple lanes — easy to stay in a center lane.
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
1986
40 years old
Structure Type
Steel (Continuous) Stringer/Multi-beam/Girder
Total Length
2,482 ft
756.5 m
Deck Width
94 ft
28.7 m
Spans
3
sections between supports
Max Span
170 ft
longest unsupported section (51.8 m)
Traffic Lanes
6 lanes
Two-way traffic
Clearance Below
65 ft
navigation clearance under deck
Clearance height compared to familiar objects
Height shown is the navigation clearance below the bridge deck. The total height of the bridge structure (including towers and superstructure) may be higher.
Daily Traffic
38,918vehicles/day
36.84211°N, 76.26571°W
Steel (Continuous) Stringer/Multi-beam/Girder
A steel stringer bridge uses parallel steel beams (stringers) to support the deck. This is one of the most common bridge types in the US, valued for its simplicity and strength.
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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.