US Bridges

Bellevue RD 643 over Elk Creek

Good

Bedford County, Virginia · 0.25 Rt 705; 2.10 Rt 762 · Structure no. 000000000002744

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
62
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bellevue RD 643 over Elk Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bellevue RD 643 over Elk Creek 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 62 vehicles a day, projected to reach 93 by 2042. The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesBellevue RD 643
CrossesElk Creek
Location0.25 Rt 705; 2.10 Rt 762
RouteCounty Highway 643
CountyBedford County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.34082, -79.3588
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length36 ft (11.1 m)
Longest span33 ft (10 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic62 (2020)
Projected traffic93 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$104.2 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bellevue RD 643 over Elk Creek built?

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

What condition is Bellevue RD 643 over Elk 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Bellevue RD 643 over Elk Creek carry?

About 62 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Bellevue RD 643 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Bellevue RD 643 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.