US Bridges

Coles Creek RD 643 over Blackwater River

Good

Franklin County, Virginia · 0.00 Rt 737; 0.00 Rt 737 · Structure no. 000000000007874

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
83 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
136
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Coles Creek RD 643 over Blackwater River is a steel truss - thru carrying Coles Creek RD 643 over Blackwater River in Franklin County, Virginia. It was built in 1915, so it is 110 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 136 vehicles a day, projected to reach 155 by 2045. The structure is 83 ft (25.4 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesColes Creek RD 643
CrossesBlackwater River
Location0.00 Rt 737; 0.00 Rt 737
RouteCounty Highway 643
CountyFranklin County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.02052, -79.98036
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating71 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length83 ft (25.4 m)
Longest span79 ft (24.2 m)
Deck width13 ft (4 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic136 (2017)
Projected traffic155 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$230.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Coles Creek RD 643 over Blackwater River built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025.

What condition is Coles Creek RD 643 over Blackwater River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Coles Creek RD 643 over Blackwater River carry?

About 136 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is Coles Creek RD 643 over Blackwater River?

The structure is 83 ft (25.4 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24.2 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Coles Creek RD 643 over Blackwater River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.