US Bridges

Beaver Dam RD/636 over Beaver Dam Creek

PoorPosted for load

Botetourt County, Virginia · 1.45-RTE635; 0.20-RTE11 · Structure no. 000000000003421

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
272
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Beaver Dam RD/636 over Beaver Dam Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Beaver Dam RD/636 over Beaver Dam Creek in Botetourt County, Virginia. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 272 vehicles a day, projected to reach 280 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesBeaver Dam RD/636
CrossesBeaver Dam Creek
Location1.45-RTE635; 0.20-RTE11
RouteCounty Highway 636
CountyBotetourt County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.4997, -79.76511
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating21.1 US tons
Inventory rating12.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.2 m)
Roadway width13 ft (3.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic272 (2016)
Projected traffic280 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$916 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Beaver Dam RD/636 over Beaver Dam Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Beaver Dam RD/636 over Beaver Dam Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does Beaver Dam RD/636 over Beaver Dam Creek carry?

About 272 vehicles per day (2016 count).

How long is Beaver Dam RD/636 over Beaver Dam Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Beaver Dam RD/636 over Beaver Dam Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.