US Bridges

Catawba VLDR/RT311 over Catawba Creek

FairPosted for load

Roanoke County, Virginia · 6.36-RT419;3.35-CRAIGCO · Structure no. 000000000014956

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

About this bridge

Catawba VLDR/RT311 over Catawba Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Catawba VLDR/RT311 over Catawba Creek in Roanoke County, Virginia. It was built in 1951, 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 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 8,963 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,988 by 2042. The structure is 87 ft (26.6 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
CrossesCatawba Creek
Location6.36-RT419;3.35-CRAIGCO
RouteState Highway 311
CountyRoanoke County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.38119, -80.10324
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length87 ft (26.6 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Catawba VLDR/RT311 over Catawba Creek built?

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

What condition is Catawba VLDR/RT311 over Catawba 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 Catawba Creek carry?

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

How long is Catawba VLDR/RT311 over Catawba Creek?

The structure is 87 ft (26.6 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Catawba VLDR/RT311 over Catawba Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.