US Bridges

Falling Rock Drive over Tye River

Good

Nelson County, Virginia · 0.75-RT.661 / 2.15-RT.657 · Structure no. 000000000012542

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Good
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
201 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
132
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Falling Rock Drive over Tye River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Falling Rock Drive over Tye River in Nelson County, Virginia. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 56 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 132 vehicles a day, projected to reach 206 by 2042. The structure is 201 ft (61.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFalling Rock Drive
CrossesTye River
Location0.75-RT.661 / 2.15-RT.657
RouteCounty Highway 654
CountyNelson County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.63407, -78.90327
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length201 ft (61.3 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic132 (2017)
Projected traffic206 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 Falling Rock Drive over Tye River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is Falling Rock Drive over Tye River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2023.

How much traffic does Falling Rock Drive over Tye River carry?

About 132 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is Falling Rock Drive over Tye River?

The structure is 201 ft (61.3 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Falling Rock Drive over Tye River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.