US Bridges

Paxton Drive over Calfpasture River

GoodPosted for load

Rockbridge County, Virginia · 0.37 to End & 0.03 to 39 · Structure no. 000000000015686

Built
1890
135 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
265 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
104
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Paxton Drive over Calfpasture River is a steel truss - thru carrying Paxton Drive over Calfpasture River in Rockbridge County, Virginia. It was built in 1890 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 135 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 104 vehicles a day, projected to reach 158 by 2045. The structure is 265 ft (80.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPaxton Drive
CrossesCalfpasture River
Location0.37 to End & 0.03 to 39
RouteCounty Highway 746
CountyRockbridge County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.98533, -79.49439
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length265 ft (80.9 m)
Longest span138 ft (42.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck20 ft (6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic104 (2019)
Projected traffic158 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed198.8 mi (320 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Paxton Drive over Calfpasture River built?

It was built in 1890, making it 135 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is Paxton Drive over Calfpasture River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Paxton Drive over Calfpasture River carry?

About 104 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Paxton Drive over Calfpasture River?

The structure is 265 ft (80.9 m) long with a longest span of 138 ft (42.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Paxton Drive over Calfpasture River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.