US Bridges

Grand Caverns RD over South River

Fair

Augusta County, Virginia · 0.01 Rt 825-0.19 Dead End · Structure no. 000000000002381

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
173 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
356
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Grand Caverns RD over South River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Grand Caverns RD over South River in Augusta County, Virginia. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1976, 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 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 356 vehicles a day, projected to reach 398 by 2042. The structure is 173 ft (52.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

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CarriesGrand Caverns RD
CrossesSouth River
Location0.01 Rt 825-0.19 Dead End
RouteCounty Highway 844
CountyAugusta County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.25919, -78.83121
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.7 US tons
Inventory rating37.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length173 ft (52.7 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic356 (2019)
Projected traffic398 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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$260 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Grand Caverns RD over South River built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

What condition is Grand Caverns RD over South 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Grand Caverns RD over South River carry?

About 356 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Grand Caverns RD over South River?

The structure is 173 ft (52.7 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Grand Caverns RD over South River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.