US Bridges

Buffalo Ridge Road over Rocky Creek

Fair

Amherst County, Virginia · 0.83-RT 821/1.97-DEAD End · Structure no. 000000000001506

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
51
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Buffalo Ridge Road over Rocky Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Buffalo Ridge Road over Rocky Creek 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 51 vehicles a day, projected to reach 59 by 2045. The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBuffalo Ridge Road
CrossesRocky Creek
Location0.83-RT 821/1.97-DEAD End
RouteCounty Highway 659
CountyAmherst County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.54551, -78.99729
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.8 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic51 (2019)
Projected traffic59 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed198.8 mi (320 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$401 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Buffalo Ridge Road over Rocky Creek built?

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

What condition is Buffalo Ridge Road over Rocky 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Buffalo Ridge Road over Rocky Creek carry?

About 51 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Buffalo Ridge Road over Rocky Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.8 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Buffalo Ridge Road over Rocky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.