US Bridges

Sbl Route / 221 over Conveyor Belt

Fair

Bedford County, Virginia · 1.17 RTE 802E;0.08 Bot CO · Structure no. 000000000002646

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
55 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16,305
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sbl Route / 221 over Conveyor Belt is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sbl Route / 221 over Conveyor Belt in Bedford 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 16,305 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,133 by 2045. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSbl Route / 221
CrossesConveyor Belt
Location1.17 RTE 802E;0.08 Bot CO
RouteU.S. Route 221
CountyBedford County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.38572, -79.79668
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,305 (2022)
Projected traffic19,133 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$384 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Sbl Route / 221 over Conveyor Belt built?

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

What condition is Sbl Route / 221 over Conveyor Belt 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Sbl Route / 221 over Conveyor Belt carry?

About 16,305 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Sbl Route / 221 over Conveyor Belt?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Sbl Route / 221 over Conveyor Belt?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.