US Bridges

Richardson Gorge over Mill Creek

Fair

Bath County, Virginia · 7.52 to 607 & 0.03 to 603 · Structure no. 000000000002479

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
201
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Richardson Gorge over Mill Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Richardson Gorge over Mill Creek in Bath County, Virginia. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 201 vehicles a day, projected to reach 289 by 2042. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRichardson Gorge
CrossesMill Creek
Location7.52 to 607 & 0.03 to 603
RouteCounty Highway 603
CountyBath County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.99304, -79.96186
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic201 (2018)
Projected traffic289 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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$60 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Richardson Gorge over Mill Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Richardson Gorge over Mill 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Richardson Gorge over Mill Creek carry?

About 201 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is Richardson Gorge over Mill Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Richardson Gorge over Mill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.