US Bridges

Irish Creek RD over Nettle Creek

Fair

Rockbridge County, Virginia · 0.01-605 & 6.09-NELSON Cl · Structure no. 000000000015389

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
44
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Irish Creek RD over Nettle Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Irish Creek RD over Nettle Creek in Rockbridge County, Virginia. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 44 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIrish Creek RD
CrossesNettle Creek
Location0.01-605 & 6.09-NELSON Cl
RouteCounty Highway 603
CountyRockbridge County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.81864, -79.21651
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating66 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44 (2017)
Projected traffic50 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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$40 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Irish Creek RD over Nettle Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Irish Creek RD over Nettle 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Irish Creek RD over Nettle Creek carry?

About 44 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is Irish Creek RD over Nettle Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Irish Creek RD over Nettle Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.