US Bridges

Crabtree Falls HWY over Tye River

Fair

Nelson County, Virginia · 0.00-RT.674/0.25-RT 697 · Structure no. 000000000012414

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
170 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,042
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Crabtree Falls HWY over Tye River is a concrete tee beam carrying Crabtree Falls HWY over Tye River in Nelson County, Virginia. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 1,042 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,162 by 2045. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCrabtree Falls HWY
CrossesTye River
Location0.00-RT.674/0.25-RT 697
RouteState Highway 56
CountyNelson County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.76589, -78.99738
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.2 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,042 (2022)
Projected traffic1,162 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$267.4 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Crabtree Falls HWY over Tye River built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is Crabtree Falls HWY over Tye 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 2023.

How much traffic does Crabtree Falls HWY over Tye River carry?

About 1,042 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Crabtree Falls HWY over Tye River?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Crabtree Falls HWY over Tye River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.