US Bridges

Rattlesnake Rd. over Big Prater Creek

Fair

Buchanan County, Virginia · 0.02-RT.620; 1.0-DEAD End · Structure no. 000000000031375

Built
2020
5 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rattlesnake Rd. over Big Prater Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rattlesnake Rd. over Big Prater Creek in Buchanan County, Virginia. It was built in 2020, so it is 5 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 30 ft (9 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRattlesnake Rd.
CrossesBig Prater Creek
Location0.02-RT.620; 1.0-DEAD End
RouteCity Street 3280
CountyBuchanan County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.18557, -82.08384
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length30 ft (9 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.4 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2011)
Projected traffic150 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$471 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rattlesnake Rd. over Big Prater Creek built?

It was built in 2020, making it 5 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rattlesnake 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 February 2024.

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

About 100 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Rattlesnake Rd. over Big Prater Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.4 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Rattlesnake Rd. over Big Prater Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.