US Bridges

Merrimac Road /657 over Slate Creek

GoodPosted for load

Montgomery County, Virginia · 0.00-RTE 808;0.01-RTE 701 · Structure no. 000000000012285

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,611
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Merrimac Road /657 over Slate Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying Merrimac Road /657 over Slate Creek in Montgomery County, Virginia. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1999, 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 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 3,611 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4,496 by 2045. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesMerrimac Road /657
CrossesSlate Creek
Location0.00-RTE 808;0.01-RTE 701
RouteCounty Highway 657
CountyMontgomery County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.18965, -80.42547
Functional classUrban 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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,611 (2019)
Projected traffic4,496 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$447.9 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Merrimac Road /657 over Slate Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is Merrimac Road /657 over Slate 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Merrimac Road /657 over Slate Creek carry?

About 3,611 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Merrimac Road /657 over Slate Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Merrimac Road /657 over Slate Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.