US Bridges

Route 656 over Trading Creek #3

GoodPosted for load

Lee County, Virginia · 2.15 FR R58 &1.95 to R659 · Structure no. 000000000010882

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
55
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 656 over Trading Creek #3 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 656 over Trading Creek #3 in Lee County, Virginia. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 63 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 55 vehicles a day, projected to reach 80 by 2042. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesRoute 656
CrossesTrading Creek #3
Location2.15 FR R58 &1.95 to R659
RouteCounty Highway 656
CountyLee County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.69859, -83.19358
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 rating37 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 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 closed8.1 mi (13 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$18.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 656 over Trading Creek #3 built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Route 656 over Trading Creek #3 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Route 656 over Trading Creek #3 carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Route 656 over Trading Creek #3?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Route 656 over Trading Creek #3?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.