US Bridges

The Falls Road over Whetstone Creek

Fair

Nottoway County, Virginia · .65 FR 626 & .06 to 664 · Structure no. 000000000012803

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,382
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

The Falls Road over Whetstone Creek is a steel culvert carrying The Falls Road over Whetstone Creek in Nottoway County, Virginia. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 1,382 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,541 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesThe Falls Road
CrossesWhetstone Creek
Location.65 FR 626 & .06 to 664
RouteState Highway 49
CountyNottoway County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.0886, -78.1442
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length21 ft (6.5 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,382 (2022)
Projected traffic1,541 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$69 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was The Falls Road over Whetstone Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is The Falls Road over Whetstone 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does The Falls Road over Whetstone Creek carry?

About 1,382 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is The Falls Road over Whetstone Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.8 m).

Who owns The Falls Road over Whetstone Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.