US Bridges

Forest Road over Downy Branch

Good

Alleghany County, Virginia · Off Fdr 172 · Structure no. 080803000001069

Built
2010
15 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
150
1998 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Forest Road over Downy Branch is a steel culvert carrying Forest Road over Downy Branch in Alleghany County, Virginia. It was built in 2010, so it is 15 years old, younger than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 150 vehicles a day, projected to reach 225 by 2045. The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesForest Road
CrossesDowny Branch
LocationOff Fdr 172
RouteFederal Lands Road 271
CountyAlleghany County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.78841, -79.69797
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating57.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.6 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (1998)
Projected traffic225 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Forest Road over Downy Branch built?

It was built in 2010, making it 15 years old in 2025.

What condition is Forest Road over Downy Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does Forest Road over Downy Branch carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (1998 count).

How long is Forest Road over Downy Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.6 m).

Who owns Forest Road over Downy Branch?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.