US Bridges

Birch Grove Road over N Fork Holston River #5

Fair

Bland County, Virginia · .80 to 626E - .20 FR 625W · Structure no. 000000000003105

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
33
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Birch Grove Road over N Fork Holston River #5 is a concrete slab carrying Birch Grove Road over N Fork Holston River #5 in Bland County, Virginia. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 2021, 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 33 vehicles a day, projected to reach 37 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBirch Grove Road
CrossesN Fork Holston River #5
Location.80 to 626E - .20 FR 625W
RouteCounty Highway 622
CountyBland County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.00391, -81.34534
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.
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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating61 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33 (2021)
Projected traffic37 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$135.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Birch Grove Road over N Fork Holston River #5 built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is Birch Grove Road over N Fork Holston River #5 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Birch Grove Road over N Fork Holston River #5 carry?

About 33 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Birch Grove Road over N Fork Holston River #5?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Birch Grove Road over N Fork Holston River #5?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.