US Bridges

Big Island HWY/122 over Little Otter River

Fair

Bedford County, Virginia · 0.91 Rt 644; 0.40 Bedfd. · Structure no. 000000000002603

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
98 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,764
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Big Island HWY/122 over Little Otter River is a concrete tee beam carrying Big Island HWY/122 over Little Otter River in Bedford County, Virginia. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 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 2,764 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,411 by 2042. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBig Island HWY/122
CrossesLittle Otter River
Location0.91 Rt 644; 0.40 Bedfd.
RouteState Highway 122
CountyBedford County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.36128, -79.50064
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,764 (2022)
Projected traffic3,411 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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$505 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Big Island HWY/122 over Little Otter River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is Big Island HWY/122 over Little Otter 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Big Island HWY/122 over Little Otter River carry?

About 2,764 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Big Island HWY/122 over Little Otter River?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Big Island HWY/122 over Little Otter River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.