US Bridges

James River Road over Ballinger Creek

Good

Albemarle County, Virginia · 1.15 FR 723 / 0.85 to 627 · Structure no. 000000000000661

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
199
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

James River Road over Ballinger Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying James River Road over Ballinger Creek in Albemarle County, Virginia. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 2008, so it is 76 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 199 vehicles a day, projected to reach 226 by 2042. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJames River Road
CrossesBallinger Creek
Location1.15 FR 723 / 0.85 to 627
RouteCounty Highway 626
CountyAlbemarle County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.78003, -78.58796
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating89 US tons
Inventory rating67 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic199 (2018)
Projected traffic226 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$260 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was James River Road over Ballinger Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is James River Road over Ballinger 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does James River Road over Ballinger Creek carry?

About 199 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is James River Road over Ballinger Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns James River Road over Ballinger Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.