US Bridges

Switchback RD./719 over Crab Creek

Fair

Montgomery County, Virginia · 0.05-RT 659; 0.95-RT 660 · Structure no. 000000000012325

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
781
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Switchback RD./719 over Crab Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Switchback RD./719 over Crab Creek in Montgomery County, Virginia. It was built in 1932, 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 781 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,082 by 2045. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSwitchback RD./719
CrossesCrab Creek
Location0.05-RT 659; 0.95-RT 660
RouteCounty Highway 719
CountyMontgomery County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.16301, -80.48784
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating61.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic781 (2022)
Projected traffic1,082 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$710 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Switchback RD./719 over Crab Creek built?

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

What condition is Switchback RD./719 over Crab 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Switchback RD./719 over Crab Creek carry?

About 781 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Switchback RD./719 over Crab Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Switchback RD./719 over Crab Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.