US Bridges

Route 0501 over Lowry Run

Fair

Buena Vista city, Virginia · 0080663 0059SCL Bu V · Structure no. 000000000020071

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,300
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 0501 over Lowry Run is a concrete tee beam carrying Route 0501 over Lowry Run in Buena Vista city, Virginia. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 95 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 3,300 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,680 by 2045. The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 0501
CrossesLowry Run
Location0080663 0059SCL Bu V
RouteU.S. Route 501
CountyBuena Vista city
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.70991, -79.37303
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.9 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.9 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,300 (2022)
Projected traffic3,680 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$175 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 0501 over Lowry Run built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Route 0501 over Lowry Run 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Route 0501 over Lowry Run carry?

About 3,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Route 0501 over Lowry Run?

The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.9 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Route 0501 over Lowry Run?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.