US Bridges

Bowers Road over Long Branch

FairPosted for load

Mecklenburg County, Virginia · 0.6 FR 678 & 2.0 to 669 · Structure no. 000000000012018

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 2006
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
72
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bowers Road over Long Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bowers Road over Long Branch in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 2006, 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 72 vehicles a day, projected to reach 109 by 2045. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesBowers Road
CrossesLong Branch
Location0.6 FR 678 & 2.0 to 669
RouteCounty Highway 672
CountyMecklenburg County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.68865, -78.30838
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 inspectionJanuary 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating17 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic72 (2019)
Projected traffic109 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$595 million (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bowers Road over Long Branch built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2006.

What condition is Bowers Road over Long Branch 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Bowers Road over Long Branch carry?

About 72 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Bowers Road over Long Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Bowers Road over Long Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.