US Bridges

Sinking Springs LN over Back Creek

FairPosted for load

Frederick County, Virginia · 0.25 to 751 - 0.25 to End · Structure no. 000000000008311

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
64 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
296
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sinking Springs LN over Back Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sinking Springs LN over Back Creek in Frederick County, Virginia. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 296 vehicles a day, projected to reach 331 by 2045. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

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CarriesSinking Springs LN
CrossesBack Creek
Location0.25 to 751 - 0.25 to End
RouteCounty Highway 853
CountyFrederick County
StateVirginia
Coordinates39.26147, -78.32819
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic296 (2014)
Projected traffic331 by 2045
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

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$83 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sinking Springs LN over Back Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sinking Springs LN over Back 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 Sinking Springs LN over Back Creek carry?

About 296 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is Sinking Springs LN over Back Creek?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Sinking Springs LN over Back Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.