US Bridges

Constitution HWY over Branch

Good

Orange County, Virginia · .50 from 639 &1.23 to 231 · Structure no. 000000000012928

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
30 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,953
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Constitution HWY over Branch is a steel culvert carrying Constitution HWY over Branch in Orange County, Virginia. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 65 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 3,953 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4,408 by 2045. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

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CarriesConstitution HWY
CrossesBranch
Location.50 from 639 &1.23 to 231
RouteState Highway 20
CountyOrange County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.22067, -78.19799
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,953 (2022)
Projected traffic4,408 by 2045
Trucks0%
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$42 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Constitution HWY over Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is Constitution HWY over Branch 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Constitution HWY over Branch carry?

About 3,953 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Constitution HWY over Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.5 m).

Who owns Constitution HWY over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.