US Bridges

Razor Back Rd. over Big Prater Creek

FairPosted for load

Buchanan County, Virginia · 0.0-RT. 620; 0.0-DEAD End · Structure no. 000000000029776

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Razor Back Rd. over Big Prater Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Razor Back Rd. over Big Prater Creek in Buchanan 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 90 by 2042. The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesRazor Back Rd.
CrossesBig Prater Creek
Location0.0-RT. 620; 0.0-DEAD End
CountyBuchanan County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.21122, -82.09878
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.5 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2011)
Projected traffic90 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$494 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Razor Back Rd. over Big Prater Creek built?

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

What condition is Razor Back Rd. over Big Prater 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Razor Back Rd. over Big Prater Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Razor Back Rd. over Big Prater Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Razor Back Rd. over Big Prater Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.