US Bridges

Governor Darden RD over Branch Nottoway River

Fair

Southampton County, Virginia · 3.32ECL COURT/1.00 to 643 · Structure no. 000000000017827

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
20 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
531
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Governor Darden RD over Branch Nottoway River is a steel culvert carrying Governor Darden RD over Branch Nottoway River in Southampton County, Virginia. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 6 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 531 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 592 by 2042. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesGovernor Darden RD
CrossesBranch Nottoway River
Location3.32ECL COURT/1.00 to 643
RouteCounty Highway 646
CountySouthampton County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.75251, -77.01991
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic531 (2022)
Projected traffic592 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$48 million (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Governor Darden RD over Branch Nottoway River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Governor Darden RD over Branch Nottoway River 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Governor Darden RD over Branch Nottoway River carry?

About 531 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Governor Darden RD over Branch Nottoway River?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns Governor Darden RD over Branch Nottoway River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.