US Bridges

Caverns RD over N Fork Shenandoah River

Fair

Shenandoah County, Virginia · 0.45 to 833 - 0.20 to 11 · Structure no. 000000000017297

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
354 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,758
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Caverns RD over N Fork Shenandoah River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Caverns RD over N Fork Shenandoah River in Shenandoah County, Virginia. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 2,758 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,928 by 2042. The structure is 354 ft (107.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesCaverns RD
CrossesN Fork Shenandoah River
Location0.45 to 833 - 0.20 to 11
RouteCounty Highway 730
CountyShenandoah County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.70634, -78.65195
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating61 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length354 ft (107.9 m)
Longest span135 ft (41.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,758 (2022)
Projected traffic2,928 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 Caverns RD over N Fork Shenandoah River built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Caverns RD over N Fork Shenandoah River 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Caverns RD over N Fork Shenandoah River carry?

About 2,758 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Caverns RD over N Fork Shenandoah River?

The structure is 354 ft (107.9 m) long with a longest span of 135 ft (41.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Caverns RD over N Fork Shenandoah River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.