US Bridges

Catawba VLDR/RT311 over Mason Creek

Fair

Roanoke County, Virginia · 2.29-RT419; 7.62-CRAIG CO · Structure no. 000000000014955

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
130 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,963
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Catawba VLDR/RT311 over Mason Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Catawba VLDR/RT311 over Mason Creek in Roanoke County, Virginia. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 74 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 8,963 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,988 by 2042. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

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CarriesCatawba VLDR/RT311
CrossesMason Creek
Location2.29-RT419; 7.62-CRAIG CO
RouteState Highway 311
CountyRoanoke County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.3562, -80.048
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,963 (2022)
Projected traffic11,988 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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$689.8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Catawba VLDR/RT311 over Mason Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is Catawba VLDR/RT311 over Mason 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 2024.

How much traffic does Catawba VLDR/RT311 over Mason Creek carry?

About 8,963 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Catawba VLDR/RT311 over Mason Creek?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Catawba VLDR/RT311 over Mason Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.