US Bridges

Interstate 64 -Wbl over Mechums River

Fair

Albemarle County, Virginia · 3.16 FR 250W/3.83 to 637 · Structure no. 000000000000555

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
254 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20,251
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 64 -Wbl over Mechums River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Interstate 64 -Wbl over Mechums River in Albemarle County, Virginia. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 20,251 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,185 by 2042. The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesInterstate 64 -Wbl
CrossesMechums River
Location3.16 FR 250W/3.83 to 637
RouteInterstate 64
CountyAlbemarle County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.03133, -78.67181
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length254 ft (77.4 m)
Longest span103 ft (31.4 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,251 (2022)
Projected traffic29,185 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Interstate 64 -Wbl over Mechums River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Interstate 64 -Wbl over Mechums River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does Interstate 64 -Wbl over Mechums River carry?

About 20,251 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 64 -Wbl over Mechums River?

The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long with a longest span of 103 ft (31.4 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 64 -Wbl over Mechums River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.