US Bridges

Nickelsville HWY over Copper Creek

Fair

Scott County, Virginia · 1.28 FR 688 - 0.68 to 670 · Structure no. 000000000016604

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
210 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,776
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nickelsville HWY over Copper Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nickelsville HWY over Copper Creek in Scott County, Virginia. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 2013, 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 2,776 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3,095 by 2045. The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesNickelsville HWY
CrossesCopper Creek
Location1.28 FR 688 - 0.68 to 670
RouteState Highway 71
CountyScott County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.73467, -82.43523
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.
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating61 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length210 ft (64 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,776 (2022)
Projected traffic3,095 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$721.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nickelsville HWY over Copper Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is Nickelsville HWY over Copper 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Nickelsville HWY over Copper Creek carry?

About 2,776 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Nickelsville HWY over Copper Creek?

The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Nickelsville HWY over Copper Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.