US Bridges

Bell Town RD718 over Little Otter River

Fair

Bedford County, Virginia · 0.80-RTE 671;1.40-RTE 890 · Structure no. 000000000002846

Built
1967
58 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
418
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bell Town RD718 over Little Otter River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bell Town RD718 over Little Otter River in Bedford County, Virginia. It was built in 1967 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 58 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 6 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 418 vehicles a day, projected to reach 501 by 2042. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesBell Town RD718
CrossesLittle Otter River
Location0.80-RTE 671;1.40-RTE 890
RouteCounty Highway 718
CountyBedford County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.33332, -79.46466
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic418 (2022)
Projected traffic501 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$137.3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bell Town RD718 over Little Otter River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is Bell Town RD718 over Little Otter River 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Bell Town RD718 over Little Otter River carry?

About 418 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Bell Town RD718 over Little Otter River?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Bell Town RD718 over Little Otter River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.