US Bridges

Lovers Gap Road over Russell Prater Fork

Fair

Buchanan County, Virginia · 2.50TO DICK.CO.&6.80FR620 · Structure no. 000000000003785

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,283
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lovers Gap Road over Russell Prater Fork is a concrete culvert carrying Lovers Gap Road over Russell Prater Fork in Buchanan County, Virginia. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 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 3,283 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,661 by 2042. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.1 mi (71 km).

Location

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CarriesLovers Gap Road
CrossesRussell Prater Fork
Location2.50TO DICK.CO.&6.80FR620
RouteState Highway 83
CountyBuchanan County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.21454, -82.20058
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,283 (2022)
Projected traffic3,661 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.1 mi (71 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$78 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lovers Gap Road over Russell Prater Fork built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lovers Gap Road over Russell Prater Fork 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Lovers Gap Road over Russell Prater Fork carry?

About 3,283 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Lovers Gap Road over Russell Prater Fork?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns Lovers Gap Road over Russell Prater Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.