US Bridges

Railroad Avenue over Powells Creek

Good

Albemarle County, Virginia · 0.02 FR 684 / 0.26 to 789 · Structure no. 000000000000852

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,120
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Railroad Avenue over Powells Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Railroad Avenue over Powells Creek in Albemarle County, Virginia. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 1,120 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,249 by 2042. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesRailroad Avenue
CrossesPowells Creek
Location0.02 FR 684 / 0.26 to 789
RouteCounty Highway 788
Coordinates38.07754, -78.71445
Functional classUrban 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,120 (2022)
Projected traffic1,249 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Railroad Avenue over Powells Creek built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Railroad Avenue over Powells 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Railroad Avenue over Powells Creek carry?

About 1,120 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Railroad Avenue over Powells Creek?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Railroad Avenue over Powells Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.