US Bridges

SALTPETERCAVERD688 over Branch of James River

Fair

Botetourt County, Virginia · 0.95-RTE692; 0.55-RTE43 · Structure no. 000000000003497

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
215
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SALTPETERCAVERD688 over Branch of James River is a concrete culvert carrying SALTPETERCAVERD688 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 215 vehicles a day, projected to reach 246 by 2042. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesSALTPETERCAVERD688
CrossesBranch of James River
Location0.95-RTE692; 0.55-RTE43
RouteCounty Highway 688
CountyBotetourt County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.63403, -79.78907
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 length25 ft (7.6 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 traffic215 (2016)
Projected traffic246 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$114.9 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SALTPETERCAVERD688 over Branch of James River built?

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

What condition is SALTPETERCAVERD688 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SALTPETERCAVERD688 over Branch of James River carry?

About 215 vehicles per day (2016 count).

How long is SALTPETERCAVERD688 over Branch of James River?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SALTPETERCAVERD688 over Branch of James River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.