US Bridges

Richmond Road over Mechunk Creek

Fair

Fluvanna County, Virginia · 1.05 from 799 &.45 to 759 · Structure no. 000000000007675

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
180 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,725
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Richmond Road over Mechunk Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Richmond Road over Mechunk Creek in Fluvanna County, Virginia. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 92 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 3,725 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,153 by 2042. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesRichmond Road
CrossesMechunk Creek
Location1.05 from 799 &.45 to 759
RouteU.S. Route 250
CountyFluvanna County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.98416, -78.31229
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating78 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,725 (2022)
Projected traffic4,153 by 2042
Trucks1%
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$235 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Richmond Road over Mechunk Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Richmond Road over Mechunk 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Richmond Road over Mechunk Creek carry?

About 3,725 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Richmond Road over Mechunk Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Richmond Road over Mechunk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.