US Bridges

Route 421 over Cane Creek

Fair

Lee County, Virginia · 7.0TORT.58; 0.14TORT.58A · Structure no. 000000000010765

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,457
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 421 over Cane Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Route 421 over Cane Creek in Lee County, Virginia. It was built in 1932, 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 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 5,457 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,085 by 2045. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 421
CrossesCane Creek
Location7.0TORT.58; 0.14TORT.58A
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyLee County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.75947, -83.01395
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,457 (2022)
Projected traffic6,085 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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$67.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 421 over Cane Creek built?

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

What condition is Route 421 over Cane Creek 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Route 421 over Cane Creek carry?

About 5,457 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Route 421 over Cane Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Route 421 over Cane Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.