US Bridges

Thomas Nelson HWY over Rockfish River

Fair

Nelson County, Virginia · 0.15-RT.6W / 3.80-RT.6E · Structure no. 000000000012395

Built
1980
45 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
380 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
6,313
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Thomas Nelson HWY over Rockfish River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Thomas Nelson HWY over Rockfish River in Nelson County, Virginia. It was built in 1980 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 45 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 6,313 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,217 by 2042. The structure is 380 ft (115.8 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesThomas Nelson HWY
CrossesRockfish River
Location0.15-RT.6W / 3.80-RT.6E
RouteU.S. Route 29SBL
CountyNelson County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.84564, -78.82053
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating78 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length380 ft (115.8 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.9 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,313 (2022)
Projected traffic9,217 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Thomas Nelson HWY over Rockfish River built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is Thomas Nelson HWY over Rockfish River 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 Thomas Nelson HWY over Rockfish River carry?

About 6,313 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Thomas Nelson HWY over Rockfish River?

The structure is 380 ft (115.8 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.9 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Thomas Nelson HWY over Rockfish River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.