US Bridges

Mcelwee RD over Hays Creek

FairPosted for load

Rockbridge County, Virginia · 0.04 to 730 & 0.03 to 724 · Structure no. 000000000015676

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
78
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mcelwee RD over Hays Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mcelwee RD over Hays Creek in Rockbridge County, Virginia. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 78 vehicles a day, projected to reach 112 by 2045. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesMcelwee RD
CrossesHays Creek
Location0.04 to 730 & 0.03 to 724
RouteCounty Highway 726
CountyRockbridge County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.93422, -79.3419
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic78 (2019)
Projected traffic112 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Mcelwee RD over Hays Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mcelwee RD over Hays Creek 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Mcelwee RD over Hays Creek carry?

About 78 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Mcelwee RD over Hays Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Mcelwee RD over Hays Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.