US Bridges

East Branch Loop over Hat Creek

Fair

Nelson County, Virginia · 0.81-RT.672/0.93-RT.151 · Structure no. 000000000012572

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
47 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
93
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 1971, so it is 54 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 93 vehicles a day, projected to reach 105 by 2045. The structure is 47 ft (14.2 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
Location0.81-RT.672/0.93-RT.151
RouteCounty Highway 673
CountyNelson County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.77109, -78.96552
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length47 ft (14.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic93 (2020)
Projected traffic105 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$534.7 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was East Branch Loop over Hat Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 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 2023.

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

About 93 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is East Branch Loop over Hat Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns East Branch Loop over Hat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.