US Bridges

East Branch Loop over Hat Creek

FairPosted for load

Nelson County, Virginia · 1.85-RT.673/0.25-RT.151 · Structure no. 000000000012569

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
48
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

East Branch Loop over Hat Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying East Branch Loop over Hat Creek in Nelson County, Virginia. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 48 vehicles a day, projected to reach 54 by 2045. The structure is 27 ft (8.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesEast Branch Loop
CrossesHat Creek
Location1.85-RT.673/0.25-RT.151
RouteCounty Highway 672
CountyNelson County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.79938, -78.95312
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic48 (2020)
Projected traffic54 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$367 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was East Branch Loop over Hat Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is East Branch Loop over Hat 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does East Branch Loop over Hat Creek carry?

About 48 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is East Branch Loop over Hat Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns East Branch Loop over Hat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.