US Bridges

James River Road over Branch Rucker Run

Fair

Nelson County, Virginia · 0.15-RT.844/2.36-RT.29 · Structure no. 000000000012424

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,307
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

James River Road over Branch Rucker Run is a concrete culvert carrying James River Road over Branch Rucker Run in Nelson County, Virginia. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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.

It carries about 2,307 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,373 by 2045. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJames River Road
CrossesBranch Rucker Run
Location0.15-RT.844/2.36-RT.29
RouteState Highway 56
CountyNelson County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.72613, -78.86395
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,307 (2022)
Projected traffic2,373 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was James River Road over Branch Rucker Run built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is James River Road over Branch Rucker Run 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does James River Road over Branch Rucker Run carry?

About 2,307 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is James River Road over Branch Rucker Run?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns James River Road over Branch Rucker Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.