US Bridges

Browns Gap Turnpik over Lickinghole Creek

PoorPosted for load

Albemarle County, Virginia · 0.02 FR 240 / 0.51 to 802 · Structure no. 000000000000746

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
536
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Browns Gap Turnpik over Lickinghole Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Browns Gap Turnpik over Lickinghole Creek in Albemarle County, Virginia. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 93 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 536 vehicles a day, projected to reach 600 by 2042. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesBrowns Gap Turnpik
CrossesLickinghole Creek
Location0.02 FR 240 / 0.51 to 802
RouteCounty Highway 680
CountyAlbemarle County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.06257, -78.64812
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating38 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic536 (2021)
Projected traffic600 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$160 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Browns Gap Turnpik over Lickinghole Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is Browns Gap Turnpik over Lickinghole Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does Browns Gap Turnpik over Lickinghole Creek carry?

About 536 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Browns Gap Turnpik over Lickinghole Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Browns Gap Turnpik over Lickinghole Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.