US Bridges

Wards Road over NS Railway

Good

Lynchburg city, Virginia · 0.40-RT.29/0.02-RT.128 · Structure no. 000000000020535

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
172 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
22,999
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wards Road over NS Railway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wards Road over NS Railway in Lynchburg city, Virginia. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 55 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 22,999 vehicles a day, projected to reach 33,579 by 2042. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesWards Road
CrossesNS Railway
Location0.40-RT.29/0.02-RT.128
RouteState Highway 163
CountyLynchburg city
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.37083, -79.18363
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating54 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.4 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,999 (2022)
Projected traffic33,579 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Wards Road over NS Railway built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is Wards Road over NS Railway 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Wards Road over NS Railway carry?

About 22,999 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Wards Road over NS Railway?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns Wards Road over NS Railway?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.