US Bridges

Wightman Road over Buckhorn Creek

FairPosted for load

Mecklenburg County, Virginia · 0.9 FR 660 & 0.2 to 47 · Structure no. 000000000012004

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
123
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wightman Road over Buckhorn Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wightman Road over Buckhorn Creek in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 123 vehicles a day, projected to reach 139 by 2045. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesWightman Road
CrossesBuckhorn Creek
Location0.9 FR 660 & 0.2 to 47
RouteCounty Highway 662
CountyMecklenburg County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.7929, -78.30216
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating49.8 US tons
Inventory rating29.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic123 (2019)
Projected traffic139 by 2045
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$696 million (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wightman Road over Buckhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wightman Road over Buckhorn 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 2023.

How much traffic does Wightman Road over Buckhorn Creek carry?

About 123 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Wightman Road over Buckhorn Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Wightman Road over Buckhorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.