US Bridges

James River Road over James River

Fair

Nelson County, Virginia · 0.0-NELSONCO./0.0-BKGMCO · Structure no. 000000000012440

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
770 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
420
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

James River Road over James River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying James River Road over James River in Nelson County, Virginia. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 420 vehicles a day, projected to reach 468 by 2042. The structure is 770 ft (234.7 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.8 mi (77 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJames River Road
CrossesJames River
Location0.0-NELSONCO./0.0-BKGMCO
RouteState Highway 56
CountyNelson County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.63637, -78.72003
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating54 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadUnknown
Structure length770 ft (234.7 m)
Longest span118 ft (36 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic420 (2022)
Projected traffic468 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed47.8 mi (77 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 James River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is James River Road over James 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does James River Road over James River carry?

About 420 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is James River Road over James River?

The structure is 770 ft (234.7 m) long with a longest span of 118 ft (36 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns James River Road over James River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.