US Bridges

Columbia Road over James River

Fair

Fluvanna County, Virginia · Fluvanna/Cumberland Co. L · Structure no. 000000000007738

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
770 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
553
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Columbia Road over James River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Columbia Road over James River in Fluvanna County, Virginia. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 553 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 617 by 2042. The structure is 770 ft (234.7 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesColumbia Road
CrossesJames River
LocationFluvanna/Cumberland Co. L
RouteCounty Highway 690
CountyFluvanna County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.74904, -78.16196
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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length770 ft (234.7 m)
Longest span116 ft (35.5 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic553 (2022)
Projected traffic617 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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 Columbia Road over James River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Columbia Road over James River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Columbia Road over James River carry?

About 553 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Columbia Road over James River?

The structure is 770 ft (234.7 m) long with a longest span of 116 ft (35.5 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Columbia Road over James River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.