US Bridges

Route 656 over Trading Creek

Fair

Lee County, Virginia · 0.90 FR 58; 0.45 to 655 · Structure no. 000000000010881

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
55
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 656 over Trading Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 656 over Trading Creek in Lee County, Virginia. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1992, 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 55 vehicles a day, projected to reach 80 by 2042. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 656
CrossesTrading Creek
Location0.90 FR 58; 0.45 to 655
RouteCounty Highway 656
CountyLee County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.68078, -83.19656
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (2022)
Projected traffic80 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 656 over Trading Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Route 656 over Trading 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Route 656 over Trading Creek carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Route 656 over Trading Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Route 656 over Trading Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.