US Bridges

Route 729 over Thornton River

Fair

Rappahannock County, Virginia · .05 FR 676 & 1.48 to 640 · Structure no. 000000000014770

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
190 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,017
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 729 over Thornton River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 729 over Thornton River in Rappahannock County, Virginia. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 1,017 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,233 by 2045. The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.2 mi (47 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 729
CrossesThornton River
Location.05 FR 676 & 1.48 to 640
RouteCounty Highway 729
CountyRappahannock County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.62788, -78.06339
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length190 ft (57.9 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,017 (2022)
Projected traffic1,233 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.2 mi (47 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 Route 729 over Thornton River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 729 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Route 729 over Thornton River carry?

About 1,017 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Route 729 over Thornton River?

The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Route 729 over Thornton River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.