US Bridges

Courthouse RD over North Meherrin River

Fair

Lunenburg County, Virginia · .5 FR 690 & .15 to 674 · Structure no. 000000000011568

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
272 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
919
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Courthouse RD over North Meherrin River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Courthouse RD over North Meherrin River in Lunenburg County, Virginia. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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.

It carries about 919 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,025 by 2045. The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.3 mi (68 km).

CarriesCourthouse RD
CrossesNorth Meherrin River
Location.5 FR 690 & .15 to 674
RouteState Highway 49
Coordinates36.93716, -78.32205
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86.1 US tons
Inventory rating66.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length272 ft (82.9 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic919 (2022)
Projected traffic1,025 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.3 mi (68 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$904 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Courthouse RD over North Meherrin River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Courthouse RD over North Meherrin River 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Courthouse RD over North Meherrin River carry?

About 919 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Courthouse RD over North Meherrin River?

The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Courthouse RD over North Meherrin River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.