US Bridges

Big Buck Road over Waqua Creek

GoodPosted for load

Brunswick County, Virginia · 1.7 FR 643 & 0.7 to 616 · Structure no. 000000000003753

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
13
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Big Buck Road over Waqua Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Big Buck Road over Waqua Creek in Brunswick County, Virginia. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 64 years old, older 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 13 vehicles a day, projected to reach 14 by 2045. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesBig Buck Road
CrossesWaqua Creek
Location1.7 FR 643 & 0.7 to 616
RouteCounty Highway 689
CountyBrunswick County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.9232, -77.94144
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating13 US tons
Inventory rating7.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13 (2022)
Projected traffic14 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$425 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Big Buck Road over Waqua Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is Big Buck Road over Waqua Creek 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Big Buck Road over Waqua Creek carry?

About 13 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Big Buck Road over Waqua Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Big Buck Road over Waqua Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.