US Bridges

Richardson Gorge over Cowardin Run

Fair

Bath County, Virginia · 0.35 to 607 & 0.05 to 687 · Structure no. 000000000002480

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
105
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Richardson Gorge over Cowardin Run is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Richardson Gorge over Cowardin Run in Bath County, Virginia. It was built in 1932, 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 105 vehicles a day, projected to reach 118 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRichardson Gorge
CrossesCowardin Run
Location0.35 to 607 & 0.05 to 687
RouteCounty Highway 603
CountyBath County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.04542, -79.86512
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.3 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic105 (2021)
Projected traffic118 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Richardson Gorge over Cowardin Run built?

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

What condition is Richardson Gorge over Cowardin Run 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Richardson Gorge over Cowardin Run carry?

About 105 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Richardson Gorge over Cowardin Run?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.3 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Richardson Gorge over Cowardin Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.