US Bridges

Old Buena Vista RD over South River

Fair

Rockbridge County, Virginia · 0.40 to 706 & 0 02 to 608 · Structure no. 000000000015500

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
205 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,605
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Buena Vista RD over South River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old Buena Vista RD over South River in Rockbridge County, Virginia. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 62 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 1,605 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,790 by 2042. The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesOld Buena Vista RD
CrossesSouth River
Location0.40 to 706 & 0 02 to 608
RouteCounty Highway 631
CountyRockbridge County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.78335, -79.35867
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 rating55 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length205 ft (62.5 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,605 (2022)
Projected traffic1,790 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$610 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Buena Vista RD over South River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is Old Buena Vista RD over South River 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Old Buena Vista RD over South River carry?

About 1,605 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Old Buena Vista RD over South River?

The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Old Buena Vista RD over South River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.