US Bridges

Thorny Lane over Johnson Creek

Fair

Alleghany County, Virginia · 0.43 to End & 0.01 to 600 · Structure no. 000000000000900

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
44
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Thorny Lane over Johnson Creek is a concrete slab carrying Thorny Lane over Johnson Creek in Alleghany County, Virginia. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 44 vehicles a day, projected to reach 69 by 2042. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesThorny Lane
CrossesJohnson Creek
Location0.43 to End & 0.01 to 600
CountyAlleghany County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.81406, -80.07101
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44 (2017)
Projected traffic69 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$65 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Thorny Lane over Johnson Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Thorny Lane over Johnson 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Thorny Lane over Johnson Creek carry?

About 44 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is Thorny Lane over Johnson Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Thorny Lane over Johnson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.