US Bridges

Hells Island Road over Fountains Creek

Good

Greensville County, Virginia · 0.90 Miles from Route 627 · Structure no. 000000000009071

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
136
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hells Island Road over Fountains Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Hells Island Road over Fountains Creek in Greensville County, Virginia. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 93 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 46 ft (14.1 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesHells Island Road
CrossesFountains Creek
Location0.90 Miles from Route 627
RouteCounty Highway 601
CountyGreensville County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.60304, -77.70962
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating61 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length46 ft (14.1 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic136 (2017)
Projected traffic155 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$209 million (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hells Island Road over Fountains Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is Hells Island Road over Fountains Creek 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Hells Island Road over Fountains Creek carry?

About 136 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is Hells Island Road over Fountains Creek?

The structure is 46 ft (14.1 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Hells Island Road over Fountains Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.