US Bridges

PATTONSBURGLA1324 over Purgatory Creek

FairPosted for load

Botetourt County, Virginia · 0.04-RTE1318; 0.16-D End · Structure no. 000000000003541

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
48 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

PATTONSBURGLA1324 over Purgatory Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying PATTONSBURGLA1324 over Purgatory Creek in Botetourt County, Virginia. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2045. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesPATTONSBURGLA1324
CrossesPurgatory Creek
Location0.04-RTE1318; 0.16-D End
RouteCounty Highway 1324
CountyBotetourt County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.53202, -79.67489
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2016)
Projected traffic55 by 2045
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$234.1 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was PATTONSBURGLA1324 over Purgatory Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is PATTONSBURGLA1324 over Purgatory 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does PATTONSBURGLA1324 over Purgatory Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2016 count).

How long is PATTONSBURGLA1324 over Purgatory Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns PATTONSBURGLA1324 over Purgatory Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.