US Bridges

Free Union Road over Piney Creek

Good

Albemarle County, Virginia · 0.55 FR 668 / 0.61 to 667 · Structure no. 000000000000641

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,105
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Free Union Road over Piney Creek is a steel culvert carrying Free Union Road over Piney Creek in Albemarle County, Virginia. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 66 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 1,105 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,116 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFree Union Road
CrossesPiney Creek
Location0.55 FR 668 / 0.61 to 667
RouteCounty Highway 601
CountyAlbemarle County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.18039, -78.57451
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,105 (2022)
Projected traffic1,116 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$310 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Free Union Road over Piney Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is Free Union Road over Piney Creek 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Free Union Road over Piney Creek carry?

About 1,105 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Free Union Road over Piney Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns Free Union Road over Piney Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.