US Bridges

Potts Creek Road over Potts Creek

Fair

Alleghany County, Virginia · 0.06 to 613 & 0.03 to 694 · Structure no. 000000000000916

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
242 ft
4 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.

It carries about 974 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,182 by 2045. The structure is 242 ft (73.9 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesPotts Creek Road
CrossesPotts Creek
Location0.06 to 613 & 0.03 to 694
RouteState Highway 18
CountyAlleghany County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.69005, -80.09177
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length242 ft (73.9 m)
Longest span62 ft (19 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic974 (2022)
Projected traffic1,182 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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$285 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 August 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 242 ft (73.9 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (19 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Potts Creek Road over Potts Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.