US Bridges

James River RD over Elk Creek

Fair

Rockbridge County, Virginia · 0.15 to 759 & 1.45 to End · Structure no. 000000000015715

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
49 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
719
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

James River RD over Elk Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying James River RD over Elk Creek in Rockbridge County, Virginia. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 5 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 719 vehicles a day, projected to reach 812 by 2042. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJames River RD
CrossesElk Creek
Location0.15 to 759 & 1.45 to End
RouteCounty Highway 782
CountyRockbridge County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.61209, -79.49757
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating75 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic719 (2019)
Projected traffic812 by 2042
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$100 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was James River RD over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is James River 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 2024.

How much traffic does James River RD over Elk Creek carry?

About 719 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is James River RD over Elk Creek?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns James River RD over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.