US Bridges

Lithia Road / 640 over Back Creek

Fair

Botetourt County, Virginia · .01-RTE801W; .08-RTE801E · Structure no. 000000000003438

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
66 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
238
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lithia Road / 640 over Back Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Lithia Road / 640 over Back Creek in Botetourt County, Virginia. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 238 vehicles a day, projected to reach 273 by 2042. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLithia Road / 640
CrossesBack Creek
Location.01-RTE801W; .08-RTE801E
RouteCounty Highway 640
CountyBotetourt County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.47516, -79.75584
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span59 ft (18.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic238 (2016)
Projected traffic273 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$337.6 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lithia Road / 640 over Back Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lithia Road / 640 over Back 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Lithia Road / 640 over Back Creek carry?

About 238 vehicles per day (2016 count).

How long is Lithia Road / 640 over Back Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Lithia Road / 640 over Back Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.