US Bridges

Cowpasture Rivr RD over CSX Railway

Poor

Alleghany County, Virginia · 1.85 Rt 630 - 0.15 Rt 636 · Structure no. 000000000000931

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
323 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,358
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cowpasture Rivr RD over CSX Railway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cowpasture Rivr RD over CSX Railway in Alleghany County, Virginia. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,358 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,791 by 2045. The structure is 323 ft (98.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

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CarriesCowpasture Rivr RD
CrossesCSX Railway
Location1.85 Rt 630 - 0.15 Rt 636
RouteState Highway 42
CountyAlleghany County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.8495, -79.74188
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length323 ft (98.4 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,358 (2022)
Projected traffic1,791 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 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$440 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Cowpasture Rivr RD over CSX Railway built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cowpasture Rivr RD over CSX Railway in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does Cowpasture Rivr RD over CSX Railway carry?

About 1,358 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Cowpasture Rivr RD over CSX Railway?

The structure is 323 ft (98.4 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Cowpasture Rivr RD over CSX Railway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.