US Bridges

Jewell Drive / 637 over Branch of Bottom Creek

Fair

Montgomery County, Virginia · 0.95 Rt 607; 0.10 End Mt · Structure no. 000000000012251

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
93
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Jewell Drive / 637 over Branch of Bottom Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Jewell Drive / 637 over Branch of Bottom Creek in Montgomery County, Virginia. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 93 vehicles a day, projected to reach 95 by 2042. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 11 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJewell Drive / 637
CrossesBranch of Bottom Creek
Location0.95 Rt 607; 0.10 End Mt
RouteCounty Highway 637
CountyMontgomery County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.11208, -80.20972
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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width11 ft (3.3 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic93 (2022)
Projected traffic95 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed198.8 mi (320 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$659.7 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Jewell Drive / 637 over Branch of Bottom Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is Jewell Drive / 637 over Branch of Bottom 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Jewell Drive / 637 over Branch of Bottom Creek carry?

About 93 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Jewell Drive / 637 over Branch of Bottom Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 11 ft wide.

Who owns Jewell Drive / 637 over Branch of Bottom Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.