US Bridges

Longdale Furnace R over Cowpasture River

Fair

Alleghany County, Virginia · 0.30 Rt 633 - 0.55 Rt 723 · Structure no. 000000000001049

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
214 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
459
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Longdale Furnace R over Cowpasture River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Longdale Furnace R over Cowpasture River in Alleghany County, Virginia. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 91 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 459 vehicles a day, projected to reach 512 by 2045. The structure is 214 ft (65.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

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CarriesLongdale Furnace R
CrossesCowpasture River
Location0.30 Rt 633 - 0.55 Rt 723
RouteState Highway 269
CountyAlleghany County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.80662, -79.74119
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length214 ft (65.2 m)
Longest span107 ft (32.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic459 (2022)
Projected traffic512 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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$290 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Longdale Furnace R over Cowpasture River built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is Longdale Furnace R over Cowpasture River 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 Longdale Furnace R over Cowpasture River carry?

About 459 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Longdale Furnace R over Cowpasture River?

The structure is 214 ft (65.2 m) long with a longest span of 107 ft (32.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Longdale Furnace R over Cowpasture River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.