Theresa K. Brooks, Transportation Engineer III
Given the large presence of water in and around Hampton Roads, bridges play an integral role in the Hampton Roads transportation system. Major spans such as the Coleman Bridge, Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, and James River Bridge connect distinct areas of the region. Bridges on the Interstate system improve mobility throughout the region. And smaller structures such as culverts span the large number of creeks, wetlands, and waterways in the region.
While all infrastructure deteriorates over time, this is more of a concern for aging bridges due to the higher costs associated with maintaining them. Factors like labor costs, cost of materials, design complexity, site preparation, safety and environmental regulatory compliance, and work zone traffic control can greatly impact the overall cost of maintaining and building bridges.
Due to the importance of bridges to the regional transportation system and concerns about the condition and funding of bridges, the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) began analyzing factors impacting regional bridges in 2007. The Hampton Roads Regional Bridge Study, for the first time, provided a regional analysis of topics such as bridge inspections and ratings, deficient bridges, bridge funding and projects, and the impacts that the closure of major bridges would have on Hampton Roads travel patterns. The Hampton Roads Regional Bridge Study: 2025 Update builds on the original study released in 2008 and two subsequent updates released in 2012 and 2018.
The Hampton Roads Regional Bridge Study: 2025 Update report makes multiple comparisons of bridges in Hampton Roads with those in 40 other similar metropolitan areas throughout the United States with populations between one and four million people. These comparisons are summarized in the table below.
Summary of Hampton Roads Bridge Conditions
Source: HRTPO analysis of VDOT and FHWA data. Data as of February 2024.
While the report includes details on many facets of bridges throughout Hampton Roads, one takeaway from this study is that there has been a steady decline in the number of bridges in poor condition over the last decade. As of February 2024, there are 33 bridges in Hampton Roads that are in poor condition. In 2015, the region had 75 bridges in poor condition.
Bridges in Poor Condition in Hampton Roads by Year
Source: HRTPO analysis of VDOT and FHWA data. Data as of February 2024.
A review of the funding opportunities available at the federal, state, and regional/local levels was conducted as part of the 2025 update to the Hampton Roads Regional Bridge Study. These funding opportunities help proactively address the maintenance needs of bridges in Hampton Roads and ultimately help ensure that public safety is not compromised.
The Hampton Roads Regional Bridge Study: 2025 Update report, which received final approval from the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization Board on July 31, 2025, is accessible at https://www.hrtpo.org/DocumentCenter/View/14610/T25-04-Hampton-Roads-Regional-Bridge-Study---2025-Update-PDF.