US Bridges

Lee-Jackson HWY501 over Cove Creek

Fair

Bedford County, Virginia · 0.01 Rt 657; 1.04 Rt 651 · Structure no. 000000000002666

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
35 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,280
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lee-Jackson HWY501 over Cove Creek is a steel culvert carrying Lee-Jackson HWY501 over Cove Creek in Bedford 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 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 2,280 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,542 by 2045. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesLee-Jackson HWY501
CrossesCove Creek
Location0.01 Rt 657; 1.04 Rt 651
RouteU.S. Route 501
Coordinates37.49724, -79.29634
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,280 (2022)
Projected traffic2,542 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$210.9 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lee-Jackson HWY501 over Cove Creek built?

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

What condition is Lee-Jackson HWY501 over Cove Creek 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Lee-Jackson HWY501 over Cove Creek carry?

About 2,280 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Lee-Jackson HWY501 over Cove Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns Lee-Jackson HWY501 over Cove Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.