US Bridges

Fishback Road over Little Dark Run

Poor

Madison County, Virginia · .88 from 29 & .54 to 634 · Structure no. 000000000011831

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,727
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fishback Road over Little Dark Run is a steel culvert carrying Fishback Road over Little Dark Run in Madison County, Virginia. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 1,727 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,943 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFishback Road
CrossesLittle Dark Run
Location.88 from 29 & .54 to 634
RouteCounty Highway 722
CountyMadison County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.3823, -78.23435
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: 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 rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span7 ft (2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,727 (2020)
Projected traffic1,943 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Fishback Road over Little Dark Run built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fishback Road over Little Dark Run 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Fishback Road over Little Dark Run carry?

About 1,727 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Fishback Road over Little Dark Run?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2 m).

Who owns Fishback Road over Little Dark Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.