US Bridges

River RD./RTE.631 over Ararat River

FairPosted for load

Patrick County, Virginia · 1.16 Rt 671; 0.06 Rt 735 · Structure no. 000000000013290

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
369
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

River RD./RTE.631 over Ararat River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying River RD./RTE.631 over Ararat River in Patrick County, Virginia. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 6 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 369 vehicles a day, projected to reach 598 by 2045. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesRiver RD./RTE.631
CrossesArarat River
Location1.16 Rt 671; 0.06 Rt 735
RouteCounty Highway 631
CountyPatrick County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.61161, -80.51193
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating23 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic369 (2014)
Projected traffic598 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$145 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was River RD./RTE.631 over Ararat River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is River RD./RTE.631 over Ararat River 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does River RD./RTE.631 over Ararat River carry?

About 369 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is River RD./RTE.631 over Ararat River?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns River RD./RTE.631 over Ararat River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.