US Bridges

Swartz RD over Pughs Run

Fair

Shenandoah County, Virginia · 0.38 to 662 - 1.50 to 604 · Structure no. 000000000017143

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
72 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
264
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Swartz RD over Pughs Run is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Swartz RD over Pughs Run in Shenandoah County, Virginia. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 93 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 264 vehicles a day, projected to reach 314 by 2042. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesSwartz RD
CrossesPughs Run
Location0.38 to 662 - 1.50 to 604
RouteCounty Highway 642
CountyShenandoah County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.9149, -78.49609
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.5 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic264 (2020)
Projected traffic314 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Swartz RD over Pughs Run built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Swartz RD over Pughs Run 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 2023.

How much traffic does Swartz RD over Pughs Run carry?

About 264 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Swartz RD over Pughs Run?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Swartz RD over Pughs Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.