US Bridges

Louisa Road over Buckingham & Mechunk Crk

Good

Albemarle County, Virginia · 3.00 231/0.71 Louisa Co.L · Structure no. 000000000000448

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
192 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,940
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Louisa Road over Buckingham & Mechunk Crk is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Louisa Road over Buckingham & Mechunk Crk in Albemarle County, Virginia. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 90 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,940 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,998 by 2042. The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLouisa Road
CrossesBuckingham & Mechunk Crk
Location3.00 231/0.71 Louisa Co.L
RouteState Highway 22
CountyAlbemarle County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.06251, -78.26651
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating97 US tons
Inventory rating75 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans4
Design loadHL 93
Structure length192 ft (58.5 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,940 (2022)
Projected traffic1,998 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$430 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Louisa Road over Buckingham & Mechunk Crk built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is Louisa Road over Buckingham & Mechunk Crk in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Louisa Road over Buckingham & Mechunk Crk carry?

About 1,940 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Louisa Road over Buckingham & Mechunk Crk?

The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Louisa Road over Buckingham & Mechunk Crk?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.