US Bridges

Finchs Hill Rd. over The Big Swamp

FairPosted for load

Richmond County, Virginia · Richmond-Westmor. Co.Line · Structure no. 000000000014799

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
39 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
410
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Finchs Hill Rd. over The Big Swamp is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Finchs Hill Rd. over The Big Swamp in Richmond County, Virginia. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 410 vehicles a day, projected to reach 565 by 2045. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesFinchs Hill Rd.
CrossesThe Big Swamp
LocationRichmond-Westmor. Co.Line
RouteCounty Highway 623
CountyRichmond County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.10205, -76.86245
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 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 rating33.6 US tons
Inventory rating20.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic410 (2022)
Projected traffic565 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 Finchs Hill Rd. over The Big Swamp built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is Finchs Hill Rd. over The Big Swamp 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Finchs Hill Rd. over The Big Swamp carry?

About 410 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Finchs Hill Rd. over The Big Swamp?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Finchs Hill Rd. over The Big Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.