US Bridges

James Madison Hwy. over Cunningham Creek

Good

Fluvanna County, Virginia · 0.30 FR 640 / 0.29 to 53 · Structure no. 000000000007660

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
133 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,617
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

James Madison Hwy. over Cunningham Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying James Madison Hwy. over Cunningham Creek in Fluvanna County, Virginia. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 94 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,617 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,280 by 2045. The structure is 133 ft (40.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesJames Madison Hwy.
CrossesCunningham Creek
Location0.30 FR 640 / 0.29 to 53
RouteU.S. Route 15
CountyFluvanna County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.85288, -78.27096
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.1 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length133 ft (40.4 m)
Longest span86 ft (26.2 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,617 (2022)
Projected traffic7,280 by 2045
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$80 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was James Madison Hwy. over Cunningham Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is James Madison Hwy. over Cunningham Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does James Madison Hwy. over Cunningham Creek carry?

About 5,617 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is James Madison Hwy. over Cunningham Creek?

The structure is 133 ft (40.4 m) long with a longest span of 86 ft (26.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns James Madison Hwy. over Cunningham Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.