US Bridges

Wheelers Spring RD over Horsepen Creek

FairPosted for load

Charlotte County, Virginia · 1.62 to 725 - 0.78 to 628 · Structure no. 000000000004917

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
75
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wheelers Spring RD over Horsepen Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wheelers Spring RD over Horsepen Creek in Charlotte 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 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 75 vehicles a day, projected to reach 84 by 2045. The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesWheelers Spring RD
CrossesHorsepen Creek
Location1.62 to 725 - 0.78 to 628
RouteCounty Highway 638
CountyCharlotte County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.23722, -78.70805
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating16 US tons
Inventory rating9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.5 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (2021)
Projected traffic84 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$488 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wheelers Spring RD over Horsepen Creek built?

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

What condition is Wheelers Spring RD over Horsepen 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Wheelers Spring RD over Horsepen Creek carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Wheelers Spring RD over Horsepen Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Wheelers Spring RD over Horsepen Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.