US Bridges

Melbourne Road over Norfolk Southern Railway

Fair

Charlottesville city, Virginia · 0.4-RIO RD & 0.2-GROVE RD · Structure no. 000000000020076

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
171 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,377
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Melbourne Road over Norfolk Southern Railway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Melbourne Road over Norfolk Southern Railway in Charlottesville city, Virginia. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 2,377 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3,470 by 2042. The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMelbourne Road
CrossesNorfolk Southern Railway
Location0.4-RIO RD & 0.2-GROVE RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyCharlottesville city
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.05207, -78.47255
Functional classUrban 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length171 ft (52.1 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,377 (2022)
Projected traffic3,470 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$75 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Melbourne Road over Norfolk Southern Railway built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Melbourne Road over Norfolk Southern Railway 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Melbourne Road over Norfolk Southern Railway carry?

About 2,377 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Melbourne Road over Norfolk Southern Railway?

The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns Melbourne Road over Norfolk Southern Railway?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.