US Bridges

Elk Island Road over North Branch James River

FairPosted for load

Goochland County, Virginia · 0.59FR Deadend & .64 to 6 · Structure no. 000000000008605

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
202 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
80
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elk Island Road over North Branch James River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Elk Island Road over North Branch James River in Goochland County, Virginia. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 80 vehicles a day, projected to reach 123 by 2042. The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesElk Island Road
CrossesNorth Branch James River
Location0.59FR Deadend & .64 to 6
RouteCounty Highway 603
CountyGoochland County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.73403, -78.11625
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating9 US tons
Inventory rating5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadH 10
Structure length202 ft (61.6 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2018)
Projected traffic123 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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$508 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Elk Island Road over North Branch James River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Elk Island Road over North Branch 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Elk Island Road over North Branch James River carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is Elk Island Road over North Branch James River?

The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Elk Island Road over North Branch James River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.