US Bridges

South Avenue over Blacks Run

Fair

Harrisonburg city, Virginia · 0020S Main ST0040S High S · Structure no. 000000000020434

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Steel
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,677
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

South Avenue over Blacks Run is a steel arch - deck carrying South Avenue over Blacks Run in Harrisonburg city, Virginia. It was built in 1932, 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 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 4,677 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5,215 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSouth Avenue
CrossesBlacks Run
Location0020S Main ST0040S High S
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHarrisonburg city
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.43462, -78.88454
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,677 (2022)
Projected traffic5,215 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 South Avenue over Blacks Run built?

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

What condition is South Avenue over Blacks 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 South Avenue over Blacks Run carry?

About 4,677 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is South Avenue over Blacks Run?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns South Avenue over Blacks Run?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.