US Bridges

Wards Road(rt. 29) over Route 29 Expressway

Fair

Lynchburg city, Virginia · 0.30-RT.128/0.01-RT.29 · Structure no. 000000000020536

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
316 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
14,948
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wards Road(rt. 29) over Route 29 Expressway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wards Road(rt. 29) over Route 29 Expressway in Lynchburg city, Virginia. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 61 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 14,948 vehicles a day, projected to reach 16,667 by 2042. The structure is 316 ft (96.3 m) long and 67 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWards Road(rt. 29)
CrossesRoute 29 Expressway
Location0.30-RT.128/0.01-RT.29
RouteState Highway 163
CountyLynchburg city
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.36523, -79.18223
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating67 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length316 ft (96.3 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.6 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.3 m)
Roadway width59 ft (18 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,948 (2022)
Projected traffic16,667 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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(rt. 29) over Route 29 Expressway built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Wards Road(rt. 29) over Route 29 Expressway 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Wards Road(rt. 29) over Route 29 Expressway carry?

About 14,948 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Wards Road(rt. 29) over Route 29 Expressway?

The structure is 316 ft (96.3 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.6 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns Wards Road(rt. 29) over Route 29 Expressway?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.