US Bridges

Cheaneys Bridge RD over Dragon Run

PoorPosted for load

Essex County, Virginia · 2.1M RTE 612-0.8M RTE 684 · Structure no. 000000000006145

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
108
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cheaneys Bridge RD over Dragon Run is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cheaneys Bridge RD over Dragon Run in Essex County, Virginia. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 108 vehicles a day, projected to reach 162 by 2045. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesCheaneys Bridge RD
CrossesDragon Run
Location2.1M RTE 612-0.8M RTE 684
RouteCounty Highway 607
CountyEssex County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.80588, -76.85115
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating9.7 US tons
Inventory rating5.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic108 (2020)
Projected traffic162 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$11 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cheaneys Bridge RD over Dragon Run built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cheaneys Bridge RD over Dragon Run in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does Cheaneys Bridge RD over Dragon Run carry?

About 108 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Cheaneys Bridge RD over Dragon Run?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Cheaneys Bridge RD over Dragon Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.