US Bridges

Route 738 over Dry Creek

FairPosted for load

Lee County, Virginia · 1.95FR 611; 1.10TO 58 · Structure no. 000000000010958

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
288
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 738 over Dry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 738 over Dry Creek in Lee County, Virginia. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 6 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 288 vehicles a day, projected to reach 321 by 2042. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 738
CrossesDry Creek
Location1.95FR 611; 1.10TO 58
RouteCounty Highway 738
CountyLee County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.72565, -82.907
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.5 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic288 (2022)
Projected traffic321 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$84.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 738 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 738 over Dry 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Route 738 over Dry Creek carry?

About 288 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Route 738 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.5 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Route 738 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.