US Bridges

Scottstown Draft over Cowpasture River

Fair

Bath County, Virginia · 0.15 to 678 & 4.95 to 629 · Structure no. 000000000002507

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
206 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Scottstown Draft over Cowpasture River is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Scottstown Draft over Cowpasture River in Bath County, Virginia. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 86 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 14 vehicles a day, projected to reach 16 by 2045. The structure is 206 ft (62.8 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesScottstown Draft
CrossesCowpasture River
Location0.15 to 678 & 4.95 to 629
RouteCounty Highway 627
CountyBath County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.15365, -79.59762
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 10 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length206 ft (62.8 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.2 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14 (2018)
Projected traffic16 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$90 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Scottstown Draft over Cowpasture River built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is Scottstown Draft over Cowpasture 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 Scottstown Draft over Cowpasture River carry?

About 14 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is Scottstown Draft over Cowpasture River?

The structure is 206 ft (62.8 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Scottstown Draft over Cowpasture River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.