US Bridges

Petites Gap Road over East Fork Elk Creek

FairPosted for load

Rockbridge County, Virginia · 1.3 Mi. E. ST RTE 781 · Structure no. 080813000003204

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
1997 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Petites Gap Road over East Fork Elk Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Petites Gap Road over East Fork Elk Creek in Rockbridge County, Virginia. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2010. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 620.7 mi (999 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPetites Gap Road
CrossesEast Fork Elk Creek
Location1.3 Mi. E. ST RTE 781
RouteFederal Lands Road 35
CountyRockbridge County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.56953, -79.46117
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating23.6 US tons
Inventory rating18.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (1997)
Projected traffic20 by 2010
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed620.7 mi (999 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$5,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Petites Gap Road over East Fork Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Petites Gap Road over East Fork 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Petites Gap Road over East Fork Elk Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (1997 count).

How long is Petites Gap Road over East Fork Elk Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Petites Gap Road over East Fork Elk Creek?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.