US Bridges

James ST 870 over James River & CSX RR

Good

Botetourt County, Virginia · 0.00 Rt 220; 0.00 Rt 43 · Structure no. 000000000025826

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
538 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,066
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

James ST 870 over James River & CSX RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying James ST 870 over James River & CSX RR in Botetourt County, Virginia. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 years old, younger than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,066 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,318 by 2045. The structure is 538 ft (164 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJames ST 870
CrossesJames River & CSX RR
Location0.00 Rt 220; 0.00 Rt 43
RouteCounty Highway 870
CountyBotetourt County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.64148, -79.80656
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length538 ft (164 m)
Longest span163 ft (49.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,066 (2022)
Projected traffic1,318 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$987.5 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was James ST 870 over James River & CSX RR built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is James ST 870 over James River & CSX RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does James ST 870 over James River & CSX RR carry?

About 1,066 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is James ST 870 over James River & CSX RR?

The structure is 538 ft (164 m) long with a longest span of 163 ft (49.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns James ST 870 over James River & CSX RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.