US Bridges

Garth Road over Mechums River

Fair

Albemarle County, Virginia · 0.36 FR 678 / 0.14 to 839 · Structure no. 000000000000655

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
190 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,689
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Garth Road over Mechums River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Garth Road over Mechums River in Albemarle County, Virginia. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 2,689 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,998 by 2042. The structure is 190 ft (57.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesGarth Road
CrossesMechums River
Location0.36 FR 678 / 0.14 to 839
RouteCounty Highway 614
CountyAlbemarle County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.1026, -78.59354
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating52 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length190 ft (57.8 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,689 (2022)
Projected traffic2,998 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$165 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Garth Road over Mechums River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Garth 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Garth Road over Mechums River carry?

About 2,689 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Garth Road over Mechums River?

The structure is 190 ft (57.8 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Garth Road over Mechums River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.