US Bridges

Cave Mtn Lake RD over Elk Creek

Fair

Rockbridge County, Virginia · 1.76 to 823 & 0.04 to 759 · Structure no. 000000000015711

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Steel
Length
62 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
91
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cave Mtn Lake RD over Elk Creek is a steel arch - deck carrying Cave Mtn Lake RD over Elk Creek in Rockbridge County, Virginia. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 91 vehicles a day, projected to reach 103 by 2045. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCave Mtn Lake RD
CrossesElk Creek
Location1.76 to 823 & 0.04 to 759
RouteCounty Highway 781
CountyRockbridge County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.58186, -79.5089
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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.6 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic91 (2019)
Projected traffic103 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$30 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cave Mtn Lake RD over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cave Mtn Lake RD over Elk 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Cave Mtn Lake RD over Elk Creek carry?

About 91 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Cave Mtn Lake RD over Elk Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.6 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Cave Mtn Lake RD over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.