US Bridges

Ritch Patch Road over Blue Spring Run

Good

Alleghany County, Virginia · 0.60 Rt 617 - 0.70 Rt 615 · Structure no. 000000000001115

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
156
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ritch Patch Road over Blue Spring Run is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Ritch Patch Road over Blue Spring Run in Alleghany County, Virginia. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 years old, older 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 156 vehicles a day, projected to reach 178 by 2045. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRitch Patch Road
CrossesBlue Spring Run
Location0.60 Rt 617 - 0.70 Rt 615
RouteCounty Highway 616
CountyAlleghany County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.68286, -80.02509
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length38 ft (11.5 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic156 (2017)
Projected traffic178 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$190 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ritch Patch Road over Blue Spring Run built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ritch Patch Road over Blue Spring Run 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Ritch Patch Road over Blue Spring Run carry?

About 156 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is Ritch Patch Road over Blue Spring Run?

The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Ritch Patch Road over Blue Spring Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.