US Bridges

Bellevue RD 643 over Norfolk Southern RR

FairPosted for load

Bedford County, Virginia · 2.35 Rt 705; 0.25 Rt 762 · Structure no. 000000000002743

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
108 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
62
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bellevue RD 643 over Norfolk Southern RR is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Bellevue RD 643 over Norfolk Southern RR in Bedford County, Virginia. It was built in 1932, 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 62 vehicles a day, projected to reach 93 by 2045. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesBellevue RD 643
CrossesNorfolk Southern RR
Location2.35 Rt 705; 0.25 Rt 762
RouteCounty Highway 643
CountyBedford County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.35969, -79.37202
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating27 US tons
Inventory rating16 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic62 (2020)
Projected traffic93 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$333.4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Bellevue RD 643 over Norfolk Southern RR built?

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

What condition is Bellevue RD 643 over Norfolk Southern RR 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Bellevue RD 643 over Norfolk Southern RR carry?

About 62 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Bellevue RD 643 over Norfolk Southern RR?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Bellevue RD 643 over Norfolk Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.