US Bridges

Richardson Gorge over Jackson River

Fair

Bath County, Virginia · 4.64 to 600 & 3.06 to 607 · Structure no. 000000000002478

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
240 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
314
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Richardson Gorge over Jackson River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Richardson Gorge over Jackson River in Bath County, Virginia. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 314 vehicles a day, projected to reach 484 by 2042. The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

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CarriesRichardson Gorge
CrossesJackson River
Location4.64 to 600 & 3.06 to 607
RouteCounty Highway 603
CountyBath County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.02898, -79.90805
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 22 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating81 US tons
Inventory rating63.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length240 ft (73.2 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic314 (2018)
Projected traffic484 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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$226 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Richardson Gorge over Jackson River built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Richardson Gorge over Jackson 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 Richardson Gorge over Jackson River carry?

About 314 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is Richardson Gorge over Jackson River?

The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Richardson Gorge over Jackson River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.