US Bridges

Potts Creek Road over Potts Creek

FairPosted for load

Alleghany County, Virginia · 0.50 to 610 & 0.05 to 616 · Structure no. 000000000000909

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
104 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
974
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Potts Creek Road over Potts Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Potts Creek Road over Potts Creek in Alleghany County, Virginia. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 974 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,182 by 2042. The structure is 104 ft (31.8 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesPotts Creek Road
CrossesPotts Creek
Location0.50 to 610 & 0.05 to 616
RouteState Highway 18
CountyAlleghany County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.66827, -80.11137
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length104 ft (31.8 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic974 (2022)
Projected traffic1,182 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$160 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Potts Creek Road over Potts Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Potts Creek Road over Potts Creek 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Potts Creek Road over Potts Creek carry?

About 974 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Potts Creek Road over Potts Creek?

The structure is 104 ft (31.8 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Potts Creek Road over Potts Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.