US Bridges

Lexington Turnpike over S. Fork Buffalo River

Good

Amherst County, Virginia · 13.01-W Acl /0.01-RT 716 · Structure no. 000000000001365

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,608
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lexington Turnpike over S. Fork Buffalo River is a concrete culvert carrying Lexington Turnpike over S. Fork Buffalo River in Amherst 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 1,608 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,793 by 2045. The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

CarriesLexington Turnpike
CrossesS. Fork Buffalo River
Location13.01-W Acl /0.01-RT 716
RouteU.S. Route 60
Coordinates37.67931, -79.22137
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,608 (2022)
Projected traffic1,793 by 2045
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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$918 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lexington Turnpike over S. Fork Buffalo River built?

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

What condition is Lexington Turnpike over S. Fork Buffalo River 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Lexington Turnpike over S. Fork Buffalo River carry?

About 1,608 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Lexington Turnpike over S. Fork Buffalo River?

The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns Lexington Turnpike over S. Fork Buffalo River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.