US Bridges

Buggs Island Road over Kettle Creek

Fair

Mecklenburg County, Virginia · .71 FR 707 & .15 to 615 · Structure no. 000000000011849

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,194
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Buggs Island Road over Kettle Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Buggs Island Road over Kettle Creek in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 1,194 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,331 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBuggs Island Road
CrossesKettle Creek
Location.71 FR 707 & .15 to 615
RouteState Highway 4
CountyMecklenburg County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.62576, -78.30427
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,194 (2022)
Projected traffic1,331 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$115 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Buggs Island Road over Kettle Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Buggs Island Road over Kettle 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Buggs Island Road over Kettle Creek carry?

About 1,194 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Buggs Island Road over Kettle Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Buggs Island Road over Kettle Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.