US Bridges

Lower Fork Road over Cowpasture River

Fair

Highland County, Virginia · 0.02 Rt 614 - 4.17 Rt 250 · Structure no. 000000000010292

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
126 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
165
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lower Fork Road over Cowpasture River is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Lower Fork Road over Cowpasture River in Highland County, Virginia. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 5 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 165 vehicles a day, projected to reach 240 by 2042. The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLower Fork Road
CrossesCowpasture River
Location0.02 Rt 614 - 4.17 Rt 250
RouteCounty Highway 616
CountyHighland County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.28909, -79.45936
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating94 US tons
Inventory rating73 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length126 ft (38.4 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic165 (2015)
Projected traffic240 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lower Fork Road over Cowpasture River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lower Fork Road over Cowpasture River 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Lower Fork Road over Cowpasture River carry?

About 165 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Lower Fork Road over Cowpasture River?

The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Lower Fork Road over Cowpasture River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.