US Bridges

Rt. 501 over Tomahawk Creek

Good

Lynchburg city, Virginia · 0.21-GRAV. MILL./1.17-221 · Structure no. 000000000020560

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,897
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rt. 501 over Tomahawk Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Rt. 501 over Tomahawk Creek in Lynchburg city, Virginia. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 years old, younger 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 16,897 vehicles a day, projected to reach 24,671 by 2045. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long.

Location

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CarriesRt. 501
CrossesTomahawk Creek
Location0.21-GRAV. MILL./1.17-221
RouteU.S. Route 501
CountyLynchburg city
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.38053, -79.22245
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,897 (2022)
Projected traffic24,671 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rt. 501 over Tomahawk Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rt. 501 over Tomahawk Creek 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Rt. 501 over Tomahawk Creek carry?

About 16,897 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Rt. 501 over Tomahawk Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Rt. 501 over Tomahawk Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.