US Bridges

James Madison Hwy. over Rapidan River

Good

Orange County, Virginia · Madison/Orange Co. Line · Structure no. 000000000012919

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
404 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,978
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

James Madison Hwy. over Rapidan River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying James Madison Hwy. over Rapidan River in Orange County, Virginia. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger 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 7,978 vehicles a day, projected to reach 8,895 by 2045. The structure is 404 ft (123.1 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

CarriesJames Madison Hwy.
CrossesRapidan River
LocationMadison/Orange Co. Line
RouteU.S. Route 15
Coordinates38.28054, -78.13933
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating93 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length404 ft (123.1 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.6 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,978 (2022)
Projected traffic8,895 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 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 James Madison Hwy. over Rapidan River built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is James Madison Hwy. over Rapidan 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does James Madison Hwy. over Rapidan River carry?

About 7,978 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is James Madison Hwy. over Rapidan River?

The structure is 404 ft (123.1 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns James Madison Hwy. over Rapidan River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.