US Bridges

Hopkins Road 709 over Br of Blackwater River

Fair

Franklin County, Virginia · 2.40 Rt 734; 0.70 Rt 774 · Structure no. 000000000007918

Built
1974
51 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
722
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hopkins Road 709 over Br of Blackwater River is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Hopkins Road 709 over Br of Blackwater River in Franklin County, Virginia. It was built in 1974 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 51 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 722 vehicles a day, projected to reach 970 by 2045. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesHopkins Road 709
CrossesBr of Blackwater River
Location2.40 Rt 734; 0.70 Rt 774
RouteCounty Highway 709
CountyFranklin County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.02248, -79.92766
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating58 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic722 (2022)
Projected traffic970 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$138.2 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hopkins Road 709 over Br of Blackwater River built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is Hopkins Road 709 over Br of Blackwater 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Hopkins Road 709 over Br of Blackwater River carry?

About 722 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Hopkins Road 709 over Br of Blackwater River?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Hopkins Road 709 over Br of Blackwater River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.