US Bridges

Route 738 over Dry Creek

FairPosted for load

Lee County, Virginia · 2.35 Fr. 611; 0.70 to 58 · Structure no. 000000000010960

Built
1977
48 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 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 1977 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 48 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 288 vehicles a day, projected to reach 321 by 2042. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.1 mi (79 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 738
CrossesDry Creek
Location2.35 Fr. 611; 0.70 to 58
RouteCounty Highway 738
CountyLee County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.7207, -82.90756
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 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 closed49.1 mi (79 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$108 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 738 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

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 November 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 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Route 738 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.