US Bridges

Samuel Bears RD over Shenandoah Valley RR

FairPosted for load

Augusta County, Virginia · 0.05 Dead END-0.35 Rt 768 · Structure no. 000000000002410

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
69 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
61
2019 count
Owner
Railroad
Railroad

About this bridge

Samuel Bears RD over Shenandoah Valley RR is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Samuel Bears RD over Shenandoah Valley RR in Augusta County, Virginia. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 61 vehicles a day, projected to reach 78 by 2045. The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSamuel Bears RD
CrossesShenandoah Valley RR
Location0.05 Dead END-0.35 Rt 768
RouteCounty Highway 994
CountyAugusta County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.30127, -78.91087
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Operating rating7.3 US tons
Inventory rating5.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length69 ft (21 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width13 ft (3.9 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic61 (2019)
Projected traffic78 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed198.8 mi (320 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerRailroad
Maintained byRailroad
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$192 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Samuel Bears RD over Shenandoah Valley RR built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Samuel Bears RD over Shenandoah Valley RR 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Samuel Bears RD over Shenandoah Valley RR carry?

About 61 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Samuel Bears RD over Shenandoah Valley RR?

The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Samuel Bears RD over Shenandoah Valley RR?

It is owned by the Railroad.