US Bridges

Hwy-Fourty Nine over Little Bluestone Creek

Fair

Mecklenburg County, Virginia · .31 FR 805 & 1.58 to 685 · Structure no. 000000000011867

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,538
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hwy-Fourty Nine over Little Bluestone Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Hwy-Fourty Nine over Little Bluestone Creek in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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.

It carries about 1,538 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,715 by 2045. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHwy-Fourty Nine
CrossesLittle Bluestone Creek
Location.31 FR 805 & 1.58 to 685
RouteState Highway 49
CountyMecklenburg County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.76789, -78.51121
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,538 (2022)
Projected traffic1,715 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$610 million (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hwy-Fourty Nine over Little Bluestone Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hwy-Fourty Nine over Little Bluestone 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Hwy-Fourty Nine over Little Bluestone Creek carry?

About 1,538 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Hwy-Fourty Nine over Little Bluestone Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns Hwy-Fourty Nine over Little Bluestone Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.