US Bridges

Dowswell Road over Ledbetter Creek

GoodPosted for load

Lunenburg County, Virginia · 1. FR 704 & 3.6 Predw CO · Structure no. 000000000011663

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
68
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dowswell Road over Ledbetter Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Dowswell Road over Ledbetter Creek in Lunenburg County, Virginia. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 68 vehicles a day, projected to reach 94 by 2042. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesDowswell Road
CrossesLedbetter Creek
Location1. FR 704 & 3.6 Predw CO
RouteCounty Highway 678
CountyLunenburg County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.05332, -78.33668
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating14 US tons
Inventory rating8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.5 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.8 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic68 (2016)
Projected traffic94 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$150 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dowswell Road over Ledbetter Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Dowswell Road over Ledbetter Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does Dowswell Road over Ledbetter Creek carry?

About 68 vehicles per day (2016 count).

How long is Dowswell Road over Ledbetter Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.8 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Dowswell Road over Ledbetter Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.