US Bridges

Belle Branch Road over Hatcher Creek

FairPosted for load

Buckingham County, Virginia · 2.28-RT 617 / 1.22-RT 650 · Structure no. 000000000004106

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
206
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Belle Branch Road over Hatcher Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Belle Branch Road over Hatcher Creek in Buckingham 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 6 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 206 vehicles a day, projected to reach 266 by 2045. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesBelle Branch Road
CrossesHatcher Creek
Location2.28-RT 617 / 1.22-RT 650
RouteCounty Highway 667
CountyBuckingham County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.54918, -78.34561
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating25 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic206 (2021)
Projected traffic266 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$383 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Belle Branch Road over Hatcher Creek built?

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

What condition is Belle Branch Road over Hatcher 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 Belle Branch Road over Hatcher Creek carry?

About 206 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Belle Branch Road over Hatcher Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Belle Branch Road over Hatcher Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.