US Bridges

Murrells Gap Road over Sheep Creek

FairPosted for load

Bedford County, Virginia · 0.00-RTE614;4.00-RTE695 · Structure no. 000000000002798

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
105
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Murrells Gap Road over Sheep Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Murrells Gap Road over Sheep 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 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 105 vehicles a day, projected to reach 160 by 2042. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 14 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMurrells Gap Road
CrossesSheep Creek
Location0.00-RTE614;4.00-RTE695
RouteCounty Highway 680
CountyBedford County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.41289, -79.63756
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic105 (2019)
Projected traffic160 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$470 million (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Murrells Gap Road over Sheep Creek built?

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

What condition is Murrells Gap Road over Sheep 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Murrells Gap Road over Sheep Creek carry?

About 105 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Murrells Gap Road over Sheep Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Murrells Gap Road over Sheep Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.