US Bridges

Birch Grove Road over N Fork Holston River #2

FairPosted for load

Bland County, Virginia · .20TORT.626W;1.20FRRT626E · Structure no. 000000000003108

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
44 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
115
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Birch Grove Road over N Fork Holston River #2 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Birch Grove Road over N Fork Holston River #2 in Bland County, Virginia. It was built in 1951, 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 115 vehicles a day, projected to reach 129 by 2042. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesBirch Grove Road
CrossesN Fork Holston River #2
Location.20TORT.626W;1.20FRRT626E
RouteCounty Highway 622
CountyBland County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.98838, -81.3694
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating17 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic115 (2021)
Projected traffic129 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$139.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Birch Grove Road over N Fork Holston River #2 built?

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

What condition is Birch Grove Road over N Fork Holston River #2 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 #2 carry?

About 115 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Birch Grove Road over N Fork Holston River #2?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Birch Grove Road over N Fork Holston River #2?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.