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 was the bridge always tired? Too many crossings.
over LAFAYETTE RIVER
1.84 TO 165 /1.29 TO 247
Parametric wireframe generated from real NBI dimensions. Drag to rotate, scroll to zoom.
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This bridge has a Good overall condition rating of 7 out of 9. It is in good structural condition and is not classified as structurally deficient.
The bridge carries 32,919 vehicles per day and is 47 years old (reconstructed in 2022).
Its sufficiency rating of 74.0 is above the national average of 63.6.
The NBI records a navigation clearance of 22 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 may cause some awareness for travelers with bridge anxiety, but has manageable characteristics.
This bridge is 992 feet long — a moderate crossing, about 30 seconds.
A standard overpass design with solid barriers on each side.
About 22 feet above ground — moderate height, similar to a 3-5 story building.
About 32,919 vehicles cross daily — moderate traffic, some congestion possible.
The deck is 95 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
1979
47 years old (rebuilt 2022)
Structure Type
Steel Stringer/Multi-beam/Girder
Total Length
992 ft
302.4 m
Deck Width
95 ft
28.9 m
Spans
1
sections between supports
Max Span
58 ft
longest unsupported section (17.7 m)
Traffic Lanes
6 lanes
Two-way traffic
Clearance Below
22 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
32,919vehicles/day
36.88696°N, 76.28073°W
Steel 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.