US Bridges

NARROWPASSAGERD/43 over Branch of James River

Fair

Botetourt County, Virginia · 1.20-RTE688N; 0.26-RTE729 · Structure no. 000000000003195

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
684
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NARROWPASSAGERD/43 over Branch of James River is a concrete culvert carrying NARROWPASSAGERD/43 over Branch of James River in Botetourt County, Virginia. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 684 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 763 by 2045. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNARROWPASSAGERD/43
CrossesBranch of James River
Location1.20-RTE688N; 0.26-RTE729
RouteState Highway 43
CountyBotetourt County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.64137, -79.77589
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic684 (2022)
Projected traffic763 by 2045
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$994 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NARROWPASSAGERD/43 over Branch of James River built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is NARROWPASSAGERD/43 over Branch of James 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does NARROWPASSAGERD/43 over Branch of James River carry?

About 684 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is NARROWPASSAGERD/43 over Branch of James River?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NARROWPASSAGERD/43 over Branch of James River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.