US Bridges

Lovers Lane over Norfolk Southern Railway

Fair

Culpeper County, Virginia · .71 FR 720 & .85 to 522 · Structure no. 000000000005693

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
158 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,913
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lovers Lane over Norfolk Southern Railway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Lovers Lane over Norfolk Southern Railway in Culpeper County, Virginia. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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.

It carries about 1,913 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,353 by 2042. The structure is 158 ft (48.2 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLovers Lane
CrossesNorfolk Southern Railway
Location.71 FR 720 & .85 to 522
RouteCounty Highway 686
CountyCulpeper County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.44479, -77.99495
Functional classUrban 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.
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.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length158 ft (48.2 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,913 (2022)
Projected traffic2,353 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Lovers Lane over Norfolk Southern Railway built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lovers Lane over Norfolk Southern Railway 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Lovers Lane over Norfolk Southern Railway carry?

About 1,913 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Lovers Lane over Norfolk Southern Railway?

The structure is 158 ft (48.2 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Lovers Lane over Norfolk Southern Railway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.