US Bridges

Mtn Valley HWY over Thompsons Creek

FairPosted for load

Bath County, Virginia · 0.05 to 629 & 0.25 to 695 · Structure no. 000000000002432

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
131 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,574
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mtn Valley HWY over Thompsons Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mtn Valley HWY over Thompsons Creek in Bath County, Virginia. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 74 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,574 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,631 by 2042. The structure is 131 ft (39.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMtn Valley HWY
CrossesThompsons Creek
Location0.05 to 629 & 0.25 to 695
RouteState Highway 39
CountyBath County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.04399, -79.68479
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length131 ft (39.8 m)
Longest span43 ft (13 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,574 (2022)
Projected traffic1,631 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$562 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mtn Valley HWY over Thompsons Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is Mtn Valley HWY over Thompsons 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Mtn Valley HWY over Thompsons Creek carry?

About 1,574 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Mtn Valley HWY over Thompsons Creek?

The structure is 131 ft (39.8 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Mtn Valley HWY over Thompsons Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.