US Bridges

James River Road over Buffalo Creek

Good

Nelson County, Virginia · 0.90-RT.646/0.40-RT.722 · Structure no. 000000000012420

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
861
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

James River Road over Buffalo Creek is a steel culvert carrying James River Road over Buffalo Creek in Nelson County, Virginia. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 years old, younger than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 861 vehicles a day, projected to reach 960 by 2045. The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJames River Road
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.90-RT.646/0.40-RT.722
RouteState Highway 56
CountyNelson County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.7004, -78.77408
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (2.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic861 (2022)
Projected traffic960 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 James River Road over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is James River Road over Buffalo Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does James River Road over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 861 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is James River Road over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (2.9 m).

Who owns James River Road over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.