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. 000000000029777

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 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 1932, so it is 93 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 90 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 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
RouteCity Street 3259
CountyBuchanan County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.2122, -82.09891
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 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$437 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 1932, making it 93 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 January 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 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Razor Back Rd. over Big Prater Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.