US Bridges

Low Water BRGLA781 over Big Dan River

Fair

Patrick County, Virginia · 00.60 Rt 773;00.30 D-End · Structure no. 000000000013406

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
50 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Low Water BRGLA781 over Big Dan River is a steel culvert carrying Low Water BRGLA781 over Big Dan River in Patrick County, Virginia. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 72 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.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 39 by 2042. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLow Water BRGLA781
CrossesBig Dan River
Location00.60 Rt 773;00.30 D-End
RouteCounty Highway 781
CountyPatrick County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.59033, -80.44934
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span3 ft (0.9 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2014)
Projected traffic39 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$940 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Low Water BRGLA781 over Big Dan River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is Low Water BRGLA781 over Big Dan 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Low Water BRGLA781 over Big Dan River carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is Low Water BRGLA781 over Big Dan River?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 3 ft (0.9 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Low Water BRGLA781 over Big Dan River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.