US Bridges

Wheelers Cove Road over Dutch Creek

FairPosted for load

Nelson County, Virginia · 6.85-RT.620 / 0.45-RT.641 · Structure no. 000000000012521

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
28
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wheelers Cove Road over Dutch Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wheelers Cove Road over Dutch Creek in Nelson County, Virginia. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 28 vehicles a day, projected to reach 42 by 2045. The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

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CarriesWheelers Cove Road
CrossesDutch Creek
Location6.85-RT.620 / 0.45-RT.641
RouteCounty Highway 640
CountyNelson County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.76114, -78.79445
Functional classRural Local

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating29 US tons
Inventory rating17 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.1 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.8 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.4 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28 (2020)
Projected traffic42 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$191 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wheelers Cove Road over Dutch Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wheelers Cove Road over Dutch Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Wheelers Cove Road over Dutch Creek carry?

About 28 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Wheelers Cove Road over Dutch Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.8 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Wheelers Cove Road over Dutch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.