US Bridges

Drake Road over Black Creek

Good

Southampton County, Virginia · 0.70 MI to Int. RTE.603 · Structure no. 000000000017820

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
226
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Drake Road over Black Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Drake Road over Black Creek in Southampton County, Virginia. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 64 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 226 vehicles a day, projected to reach 257 by 2042. The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDrake Road
CrossesBlack Creek
Location0.70 MI to Int. RTE.603
RouteCounty Highway 638
CountySouthampton County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.79352, -76.96358
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating84 US tons
Inventory rating65 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length33 ft (10 m)
Longest span33 ft (10 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic226 (2018)
Projected traffic257 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Drake Road over Black Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is Drake Road over Black Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does Drake Road over Black Creek carry?

About 226 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is Drake Road over Black Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Drake Road over Black Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.