US Bridges

Ruckman Lane over S Br Potomac River

Fair

Highland County, Virginia · 0.37 Rt 657 - 0.08 Rt 640 · Structure no. 000000000010333

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
123
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ruckman Lane over S Br Potomac River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ruckman Lane over S Br Potomac River in Highland County, Virginia. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 93 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.

It carries about 123 vehicles a day, projected to reach 138 by 2045. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRuckman Lane
CrossesS Br Potomac River
Location0.37 Rt 657 - 0.08 Rt 640
RouteCounty Highway 641
CountyHighland County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.46706, -79.59699
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic123 (2021)
Projected traffic138 by 2045
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 Ruckman Lane over S Br Potomac River built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Ruckman Lane over S Br Potomac 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Ruckman Lane over S Br Potomac River carry?

About 123 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Ruckman Lane over S Br Potomac River?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Ruckman Lane over S Br Potomac River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.