US Bridges

Laurel Road over Rockfish River

Fair

Nelson County, Virginia · 2.87-RT.763/0.10-RT 617 · Structure no. 000000000012520

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
235 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
277
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Laurel Road over Rockfish River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Laurel Road over Rockfish River in Nelson County, Virginia. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 277 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 309 by 2045. The structure is 235 ft (71.6 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLaurel Road
CrossesRockfish River
Location2.87-RT.763/0.10-RT 617
RouteCounty Highway 639
CountyNelson County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.79727, -78.74885
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length235 ft (71.6 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.6 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic277 (2022)
Projected traffic309 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 Laurel Road over Rockfish River built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Laurel Road 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Laurel Road over Rockfish River carry?

About 277 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Laurel Road over Rockfish River?

The structure is 235 ft (71.6 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.6 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Laurel Road over Rockfish River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.