US Bridges

Old Rail Road 817 over Craig Creek

FairPosted for load

Botetourt County, Virginia · 0.60 Rt 704 0.20 Rt 770 · Structure no. 000000000003534

Built
1887
138 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel
Length
253 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
36
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Rail Road 817 over Craig Creek is a steel truss - deck carrying Old Rail Road 817 over Craig Creek in Botetourt County, Virginia. It was built in 1887, 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 5 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 36 vehicles a day, projected to reach 41 by 2045. The structure is 253 ft (77.2 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Rail Road 817
CrossesCraig Creek
Location0.60 Rt 704 0.20 Rt 770
RouteCounty Highway 817
CountyBotetourt County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.62398, -79.96617
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length253 ft (77.2 m)
Longest span122 ft (37.3 m)
Deck width13 ft (4 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic36 (2019)
Projected traffic41 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$794 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Rail Road 817 over Craig Creek built?

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

What condition is Old Rail Road 817 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 Old Rail Road 817 over Craig Creek carry?

About 36 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Old Rail Road 817 over Craig Creek?

The structure is 253 ft (77.2 m) long with a longest span of 122 ft (37.3 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Old Rail Road 817 over Craig Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.