US Bridges

Lesters Fork Road over Lesters Fork

Poor

Buchanan County, Virginia · 1.15 to 651S&2.65 FR 651N · Structure no. 000000000003942

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,061
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lesters Fork Road over Lesters Fork is a steel culvert carrying Lesters Fork Road over Lesters Fork in Buchanan County, Virginia. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,061 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,183 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLesters Fork Road
CrossesLesters Fork
Location1.15 to 651S&2.65 FR 651N
RouteCounty Highway 650
CountyBuchanan County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.37232, -82.04935
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,061 (2022)
Projected traffic1,183 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$52 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lesters Fork Road over Lesters Fork built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lesters Fork Road over Lesters Fork in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2025.

How much traffic does Lesters Fork Road over Lesters Fork carry?

About 1,061 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Lesters Fork Road over Lesters Fork?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Lesters Fork Road over Lesters Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.