US Bridges

Ball Park RD.685 over Craig Creek

FairPosted for load

Botetourt County, Virginia · 0.15-RT 615; 0.45-RT 818 · Structure no. 000000000003496

Built
1887
138 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
267 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
219
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ball Park RD.685 over Craig Creek is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron truss - thru carrying Ball Park RD.685 over Craig Creek in Botetourt County, Virginia. It was built in 1887 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 138 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 219 vehicles a day, projected to reach 275 by 2042. The structure is 267 ft (81.4 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesBall Park RD.685
CrossesCraig Creek
Location0.15-RT 615; 0.45-RT 818
RouteCounty Highway 685
CountyBotetourt County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.64905, -79.83074
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length267 ft (81.4 m)
Longest span152 ft (46.3 m)
Deck width13 ft (4 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic219 (2016)
Projected traffic275 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$986.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ball Park RD.685 over Craig Creek built?

It was built in 1887, making it 138 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is Ball Park RD.685 over Craig 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Ball Park RD.685 over Craig Creek carry?

About 219 vehicles per day (2016 count).

How long is Ball Park RD.685 over Craig Creek?

The structure is 267 ft (81.4 m) long with a longest span of 152 ft (46.3 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Ball Park RD.685 over Craig Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.