US Bridges

Balls Chapel Road over Martin Creek

Fair

Lee County, Virginia · 0.44 FR Rt 819-0.00TO672 · Structure no. 000000000023972

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
39 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
377
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Balls Chapel Road over Martin Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Balls Chapel Road over Martin Creek in Lee County, Virginia. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 6 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 377 vehicles a day, projected to reach 432 by 2042. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBalls Chapel Road
CrossesMartin Creek
Location0.44 FR Rt 819-0.00TO672
RouteCounty Highway 671
CountyLee County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.65896, -83.35754
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic377 (2022)
Projected traffic432 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Balls Chapel Road over Martin Creek built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is Balls Chapel Road over Martin 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Balls Chapel Road over Martin Creek carry?

About 377 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Balls Chapel Road over Martin Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Balls Chapel Road over Martin Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.