US Bridges

Route 15 Sbl over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Prince Edward County, Virginia · 1.76-RT 15N/2.90-RT 15S · Structure no. 000000000013883

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
362 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,821
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 15 Sbl over Buffalo Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 15 Sbl over Buffalo Creek in Prince Edward 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 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 4,821 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,040 by 2042. The structure is 362 ft (110.3 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 15 Sbl
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location1.76-RT 15N/2.90-RT 15S
RouteU.S. Route 15
CountyPrince Edward County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.29487, -78.44074
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length362 ft (110.3 m)
Longest span140 ft (42.7 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,821 (2022)
Projected traffic7,040 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$521.8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 15 Sbl over Buffalo Creek built?

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

What condition is Route 15 Sbl over Buffalo 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 2024.

How much traffic does Route 15 Sbl over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 4,821 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Route 15 Sbl over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 362 ft (110.3 m) long with a longest span of 140 ft (42.7 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Route 15 Sbl over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.