US Bridges

Lee Highway / 11 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Botetourt County, Virginia · 1.37-N Trtv; 0.43-S Trtv · Structure no. 000000000003174

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,099
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lee Highway / 11 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete slab carrying Lee Highway / 11 over Buffalo Creek in Botetourt 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 6,099 vehicles a day, projected to reach 6,800 by 2045. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLee Highway / 11
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location1.37-N Trtv; 0.43-S Trtv
RouteU.S. Route 11
CountyBotetourt County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.40914, -79.88589
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,099 (2022)
Projected traffic6,800 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$248.6 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lee Highway / 11 over Buffalo Creek built?

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

What condition is Lee Highway / 11 over Buffalo 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 2025.

How much traffic does Lee Highway / 11 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 6,099 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Lee Highway / 11 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Lee Highway / 11 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.