US Bridges

Rock Barn Road over Buffalo Creek

PoorPosted for load

Halifax County, Virginia · 1.07-RT 670/1.43-RT 638 · Structure no. 000000000009250

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
91 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
129
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rock Barn Road over Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rock Barn Road over Buffalo Creek in Halifax County, Virginia. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 129 vehicles a day, projected to reach 187 by 2045. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRock Barn Road
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location1.07-RT 670/1.43-RT 638
RouteCounty Highway 639
CountyHalifax County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.03683, -79.05795
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating13.2 US tons
Inventory rating7.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic129 (2020)
Projected traffic187 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$942 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rock Barn Road over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rock Barn Road over Buffalo Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does Rock Barn Road over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 129 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Rock Barn Road over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Rock Barn Road over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.