US Bridges

Route 259 over Runion Creek

Fair

Rockingham County, Virginia · 0.09 Rt 612 - 2.01 Rt 938 · Structure no. 000000000015861

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
128 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,828
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 259 over Runion Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Route 259 over Runion Creek in Rockingham County, Virginia. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 5,828 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,775 by 2045. The structure is 128 ft (38.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 259
CrossesRunion Creek
Location0.09 Rt 612 - 2.01 Rt 938
RouteState Highway 259
CountyRockingham County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.6457, -78.8697
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length128 ft (38.9 m)
Longest span43 ft (13 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,828 (2022)
Projected traffic6,775 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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$250 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 259 over Runion Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 259 over Runion 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Route 259 over Runion Creek carry?

About 5,828 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Route 259 over Runion Creek?

The structure is 128 ft (38.9 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Route 259 over Runion Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.