US Bridges

Blenheim Road over Hardware River

Good

Albemarle County, Virginia · 2.65-RT708 / 1.02-RT713 · Structure no. 000000000000857

Built
1907
118 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
133 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
174
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blenheim Road over Hardware River is a steel truss - thru carrying Blenheim Road over Hardware River in Albemarle County, Virginia. It was built in 1907 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 118 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 174 vehicles a day, projected to reach 268 by 2045. The structure is 133 ft (40.4 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesBlenheim Road
CrossesHardware River
Location2.65-RT708 / 1.02-RT713
RouteCounty Highway 795
CountyAlbemarle County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.87162, -78.49841
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating61 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length133 ft (40.4 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.4 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic174 (2018)
Projected traffic268 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$450 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Blenheim Road over Hardware River built?

It was built in 1907, making it 118 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is Blenheim Road over Hardware River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Blenheim Road over Hardware River carry?

About 174 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is Blenheim Road over Hardware River?

The structure is 133 ft (40.4 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Blenheim Road over Hardware River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.