US Bridges

Forge Road over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Rockbridge County, Virginia · .01 to 700N & .01 to 700S · Structure no. 000000000015401

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
225 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
819
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Forge Road over Buffalo Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Forge Road over Buffalo Creek in Rockbridge County, Virginia. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 819 vehicles a day, projected to reach 883 by 2045. The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesForge Road
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location.01 to 700N & .01 to 700S
RouteCounty Highway 608
CountyRockbridge County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.68587, -79.43405
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length225 ft (68.6 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic819 (2022)
Projected traffic883 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$320 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Forge Road over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Forge Road 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 2023.

How much traffic does Forge Road over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 819 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Forge Road over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Forge Road over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.