US Bridges

Fletchers Mill RD over Thornton River

Fair

Rappahannock County, Virginia · .12 FR 655 & 2.28 to 621 · Structure no. 000000000014701

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
60 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
156
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fletchers Mill RD over Thornton River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Fletchers Mill RD over Thornton River in Rappahannock County, Virginia. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 2005, 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 156 vehicles a day, projected to reach 176 by 2042. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesFletchers Mill RD
CrossesThornton River
Location.12 FR 655 & 2.28 to 621
RouteCounty Highway 620
CountyRappahannock County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.64687, -78.20654
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating71 US tons
Inventory rating55 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic156 (2019)
Projected traffic176 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$15 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fletchers Mill RD over Thornton River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is Fletchers Mill RD over Thornton 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Fletchers Mill RD over Thornton River carry?

About 156 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Fletchers Mill RD over Thornton River?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Fletchers Mill RD over Thornton River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.