US Bridges

Early Drive over Linville Creek

Fair

Rockingham County, Virginia · 0.20 Rt 1421-0.33 Rt 42 · Structure no. 000000000016267

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
92 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
510
2018 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Early Drive over Linville Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Early Drive over Linville Creek in Rockingham County, Virginia. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 85 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 510 vehicles a day, projected to reach 550 by 2042. The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesEarly Drive
CrossesLinville Creek
Location0.20 Rt 1421-0.33 Rt 42
RouteCity Street 1415
CountyRockingham County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.60305, -78.80558
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 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 alignment2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length92 ft (28 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.5 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic510 (2018)
Projected traffic550 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$530 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Early Drive over Linville Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is Early Drive over Linville 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Early Drive over Linville Creek carry?

About 510 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is Early Drive over Linville Creek?

The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.5 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Early Drive over Linville Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.