US Bridges

Melita Road over Slate River

Fair

Buckingham County, Virginia · 2.14-RT.729 / 2.09-RT.651 · Structure no. 000000000004065

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
175 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
155
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Melita Road over Slate River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Melita Road over Slate River in Buckingham County, Virginia. It was built in 1967, 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 155 vehicles a day, projected to reach 239 by 2042. The structure is 175 ft (53.2 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMelita Road
CrossesSlate River
Location2.14-RT.729 / 2.09-RT.651
RouteCounty Highway 622
CountyBuckingham County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.64556, -78.45301
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length175 ft (53.2 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.6 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic155 (2018)
Projected traffic239 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Melita Road over Slate River built?

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

What condition is Melita Road over Slate 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Melita Road over Slate River carry?

About 155 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is Melita Road over Slate River?

The structure is 175 ft (53.2 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.6 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Melita Road over Slate River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.