US Bridges

Route 638 over Spruce Pine Creek

Fair

Buchanan County, Virginia · 2.2 to R680 & at R654 · Structure no. 000000000003899

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
20 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
946
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 638 over Spruce Pine Creek is a steel culvert carrying Route 638 over Spruce Pine Creek in Buchanan County, Virginia. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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.

It carries about 946 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,055 by 2042. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 638
CrossesSpruce Pine Creek
Location2.2 to R680 & at R654
RouteCounty Highway 638
CountyBuchanan County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.25784, -81.92803
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic946 (2022)
Projected traffic1,055 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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$26 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 638 over Spruce Pine Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 638 over Spruce Pine 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Route 638 over Spruce Pine Creek carry?

About 946 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Route 638 over Spruce Pine Creek?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns Route 638 over Spruce Pine Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.