US Bridges

Prospect Street over Happy Creek

FairPosted for load

Warren County, Virginia · 0.01 Rt 522 - 0.40 Rt 340 · Structure no. 000000000020265

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
48 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
900
1981 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Prospect Street over Happy Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Prospect Street over Happy Creek in Warren County, Virginia. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 900 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,800 by 2042. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesProspect Street
CrossesHappy Creek
Location0.01 Rt 522 - 0.40 Rt 340
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWarren County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.9144, -78.18584
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating21.1 US tons
Inventory rating12 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic900 (1981)
Projected traffic1,800 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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$200 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Prospect Street over Happy Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is Prospect Street over Happy 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Prospect Street over Happy Creek carry?

About 900 vehicles per day (1981 count).

How long is Prospect Street over Happy Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Prospect Street over Happy Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.