US Bridges

Nicopolis Road over Little Otter River

FairPosted for load

Bedford County, Virginia · 0.50 Rt 714; 2.10 Rt 715 · Structure no. 000000000002916

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
143 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
336
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nicopolis Road over Little Otter River is a steel truss - thru carrying Nicopolis Road over Little Otter River in Bedford County, Virginia. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 336 vehicles a day, projected to reach 438 by 2045. The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNicopolis Road
CrossesLittle Otter River
Location0.50 Rt 714; 2.10 Rt 715
RouteCounty Highway 784
CountyBedford County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.29344, -79.45627
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length143 ft (43.6 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic336 (2016)
Projected traffic438 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$461.7 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nicopolis Road over Little Otter River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nicopolis Road 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Nicopolis Road over Little Otter River carry?

About 336 vehicles per day (2016 count).

How long is Nicopolis Road over Little Otter River?

The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Nicopolis Road over Little Otter River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.