US Bridges

Free Union Road over Mechums River

Fair

Albemarle County, Virginia · 0.42 FR 829 / 0.08 to 678 · Structure no. 000000000000631

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
182 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,864
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Free Union Road over Mechums River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Free Union Road over Mechums River in Albemarle County, Virginia. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 5 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 2,864 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3,193 by 2045. The structure is 182 ft (55.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesFree Union Road
CrossesMechums River
Location0.42 FR 829 / 0.08 to 678
RouteCounty Highway 601
CountyAlbemarle County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.12955, -78.54916
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length182 ft (55.6 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,864 (2022)
Projected traffic3,193 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Free Union Road over Mechums River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Free Union Road 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 2023.

How much traffic does Free Union Road over Mechums River carry?

About 2,864 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Free Union Road over Mechums River?

The structure is 182 ft (55.6 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Free Union Road over Mechums River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.