US Bridges

Esnon Road over Rittenhouse Branch

FairPosted for load

Mecklenburg County, Virginia · 2.1 FR 688 & 0.8 to 92 · Structure no. 000000000012033

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
49
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Esnon Road over Rittenhouse Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Esnon Road over Rittenhouse Branch in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 49 vehicles a day, projected to reach 74 by 2045. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesEsnon Road
CrossesRittenhouse Branch
Location2.1 FR 688 & 0.8 to 92
RouteCounty Highway 686
CountyMecklenburg County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.7492, -78.44359
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating14 US tons
Inventory rating8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic49 (2019)
Projected traffic74 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$495 million (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Esnon Road over Rittenhouse Branch built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Esnon Road over Rittenhouse 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Esnon Road over Rittenhouse Branch carry?

About 49 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Esnon Road over Rittenhouse Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Esnon Road over Rittenhouse Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.