US Bridges

Buffalo Gap HWY over Whiskey Creek

Fair

Augusta County, Virginia · 0.66 Rt 836 - 0.11 Rt 725 · Structure no. 000000000001706

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
66 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,832
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Buffalo Gap HWY over Whiskey Creek is a concrete slab carrying Buffalo Gap HWY over Whiskey Creek in Augusta 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 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 2,832 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,557 by 2042. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesBuffalo Gap HWY
CrossesWhiskey Creek
Location0.66 Rt 836 - 0.11 Rt 725
RouteState Highway 42
CountyAugusta County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.2264, -79.17612
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.4 US tons
Inventory rating51.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,832 (2022)
Projected traffic3,557 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$145 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Buffalo Gap HWY over Whiskey Creek built?

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

What condition is Buffalo Gap HWY over Whiskey 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Buffalo Gap HWY over Whiskey Creek carry?

About 2,832 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Buffalo Gap HWY over Whiskey Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Buffalo Gap HWY over Whiskey Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.