US Bridges

G.G. Smith Road over Big Prater Creek

Fair

Buchanan County, Virginia · 0.0 Rt 620; 0.0 Dead End · Structure no. 000000000030316

Built
2013
12 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

G.G. Smith Road over Big Prater Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying G.G. Smith Road over Big Prater Creek in Buchanan County, Virginia. It was built in 2013, so it is 12 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.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 150 by 2042. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesG.G. Smith Road
CrossesBig Prater Creek
Location0.0 Rt 620; 0.0 Dead End
RouteCity Street 3258
CountyBuchanan County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.2139, -82.09985
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating70 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span26 ft (8 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2011)
Projected traffic150 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed198.8 mi (320 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was G.G. Smith Road over Big Prater Creek built?

It was built in 2013, making it 12 years old in 2025.

What condition is G.G. Smith Road 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does G.G. Smith Road over Big Prater Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is G.G. Smith Road over Big Prater Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (8 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns G.G. Smith Road over Big Prater Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.