US Bridges

Water Oak Road over Sandy River

FairPosted for load

Pittsylvania County, Virginia · 0.85 to 612 - 1.56 to 921 · Structure no. 000000000013749

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
163
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Water Oak Road over Sandy River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Water Oak Road over Sandy River in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 93 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 163 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2045. The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesWater Oak Road
CrossesSandy River
Location0.85 to 612 - 1.56 to 921
RouteCounty Highway 840
CountyPittsylvania County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.74908, -79.61304
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating14 US tons
Inventory rating8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.3 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic163 (2021)
Projected traffic200 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$495 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Water Oak Road over Sandy River built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is Water Oak Road over Sandy River 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Water Oak Road over Sandy River carry?

About 163 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Water Oak Road over Sandy River?

The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Water Oak Road over Sandy River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.