US Bridges

Valley Road over South Branch

FairPosted for load

Muskingum County, Ohio · 0.54 MI E of Sheck Road · Structure no. 6046355

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Valley Road over South Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Valley Road over South Branch in Muskingum County, Ohio. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 years old, older than the Ohio average of 47.3 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 50 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 69 by 2035. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesValley Road
CrossesSouth Branch
Location0.54 MI E of Sheck Road
RouteCounty Highway T0156
CountyMuskingum County
StateOhio
Coordinates40.06281, -81.91621
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating17.9 US tons
Inventory rating10.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.3 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2015)
Projected traffic69 by 2035
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Valley Road over South Branch built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025.

What condition is Valley Road over South Branch 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 2024.

How much traffic does Valley Road over South Branch carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Valley Road over South Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Valley Road over South Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.