US Bridges

Rock Cliff RD 735 over Difficult Creek

FairPosted for load

Bedford County, Virginia · 3.20 Rt 731; 0.10 Rt 817 · Structure no. 000000000002872

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
81
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rock Cliff RD 735 over Difficult Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rock Cliff RD 735 over Difficult Creek in Bedford County, Virginia. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 81 vehicles a day, projected to reach 92 by 2045. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRock Cliff RD 735
CrossesDifficult Creek
Location3.20 Rt 731; 0.10 Rt 817
RouteCounty Highway 735
CountyBedford County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.17851, -79.5249
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating24 US tons
Inventory rating14 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic81 (2019)
Projected traffic92 by 2045
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$118.8 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rock Cliff RD 735 over Difficult Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rock Cliff RD 735 over Difficult 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Rock Cliff RD 735 over Difficult Creek carry?

About 81 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Rock Cliff RD 735 over Difficult Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Rock Cliff RD 735 over Difficult Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.