US Bridges

South Buffalo Road over South Buffalo Creek

Fair

Rockbridge County, Virginia · 0.55 to 661 & 0.80 to 738 · Structure no. 000000000015441

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
230
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

South Buffalo Road over South Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying South Buffalo Road over South Buffalo Creek in Rockbridge County, Virginia. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 93 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.

It carries about 230 vehicles a day, projected to reach 240 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSouth Buffalo Road
CrossesSouth Buffalo Creek
Location0.55 to 661 & 0.80 to 738
RouteCounty Highway 611
CountyRockbridge County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.67737, -79.62468
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic230 (2019)
Projected traffic240 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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 South Buffalo Road over South Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is South Buffalo Road over South 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does South Buffalo Road over South Buffalo Creek carry?

About 230 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is South Buffalo Road over South Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns South Buffalo Road over South Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.