US Bridges

Jopling Road RT643 over Br. of Big Otter River

Fair

Bedford County, Virginia · 1.00 Rt 675; 0.60 Rt 849 · Structure no. 000000000002741

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
279
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Jopling Road RT643 over Br. of Big Otter River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Jopling Road RT643 over Br. of Big Otter River in Bedford County, Virginia. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 2009, 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 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 279 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 317 by 2042. The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJopling Road RT643
CrossesBr. of Big Otter River
Location1.00 Rt 675; 0.60 Rt 849
RouteCounty Highway 643
CountyBedford County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.41488, -79.53248
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 rating87 US tons
Inventory rating67 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.5 m)
Longest span23 ft (6.9 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic279 (2022)
Projected traffic317 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$463 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Jopling Road RT643 over Br. of Big Otter River built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is Jopling Road RT643 over Br. of Big 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Jopling Road RT643 over Br. of Big Otter River carry?

About 279 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Jopling Road RT643 over Br. of Big Otter River?

The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (6.9 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Jopling Road RT643 over Br. of Big Otter River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.