US Bridges

Cary Road over Bear Element Creek

FairPosted for load

Lunenburg County, Virginia · .5 FR 643 & 1.4 to 635 · Structure no. 000000000011637

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
31
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cary Road over Bear Element Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cary Road over Bear Element Creek in Lunenburg County, Virginia. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 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 31 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2045. The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesCary Road
CrossesBear Element Creek
Location.5 FR 643 & 1.4 to 635
RouteCounty Highway 644
CountyLunenburg County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.86825, -78.22038
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.
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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating7.1 US tons
Inventory rating4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.2 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.4 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic31 (2022)
Projected traffic35 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$118 million (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cary Road over Bear Element Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cary Road over Bear Element 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Cary Road over Bear Element Creek carry?

About 31 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Cary Road over Bear Element Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.4 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Cary Road over Bear Element Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.