US Bridges

Bedford Highway over Plumtree Branch

FairPosted for load

Campbell County, Virginia · 0.40 RTE 682/4.24 RTE 896 · Structure no. 000000000004165

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
138 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
876
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bedford Highway over Plumtree Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bedford Highway over Plumtree Branch in Campbell County, Virginia. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 876 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 977 by 2042. The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesBedford Highway
CrossesPlumtree Branch
Location0.40 RTE 682/4.24 RTE 896
RouteState Highway 43
CountyCampbell County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.12133, -79.37908
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length138 ft (42.1 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic876 (2022)
Projected traffic977 by 2042
Trucks1%
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$133.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bedford Highway over Plumtree Branch built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bedford Highway over Plumtree Branch 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Bedford Highway over Plumtree Branch carry?

About 876 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Bedford Highway over Plumtree Branch?

The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Bedford Highway over Plumtree Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.