US Bridges

Free Union Road over Moormans River

Fair

Albemarle County, Virginia · 0.80 FR 678 / 0.52 to 653 · Structure no. 000000000000640

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
244 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,407
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Free Union Road over Moormans River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Free Union Road over Moormans River in Albemarle County, Virginia. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 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 2,407 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3,097 by 2045. The structure is 244 ft (74.4 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFree Union Road
CrossesMoormans River
Location0.80 FR 678 / 0.52 to 653
RouteCounty Highway 601
CountyAlbemarle County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.14094, -78.55515
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length244 ft (74.4 m)
Longest span93 ft (28.2 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,407 (2022)
Projected traffic3,097 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$500 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Free Union Road over Moormans River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Free Union Road over Moormans 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 Moormans River carry?

About 2,407 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Free Union Road over Moormans River?

The structure is 244 ft (74.4 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.2 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Free Union Road over Moormans River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.