US Bridges

South Lee HWY over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Rockbridge County, Virginia · 0.82 to 834 & 0.20 to 678 · Structure no. 000000000015162

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
238 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,631
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

South Lee HWY over Buffalo Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying South Lee HWY over Buffalo Creek in Rockbridge County, Virginia. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 2,631 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3,373 by 2042. The structure is 238 ft (72.5 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSouth Lee HWY
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.82 to 834 & 0.20 to 678
RouteU.S. Route 11
CountyRockbridge County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.71436, -79.47167
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length238 ft (72.5 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,631 (2022)
Projected traffic3,373 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$110 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was South Lee HWY over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is South Lee HWY 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does South Lee HWY over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 2,631 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is South Lee HWY over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 238 ft (72.5 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns South Lee HWY over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.