US Bridges

Dismal River Rd. over Long Branch

Good

Buchanan County, Virginia · 1.15 FR Rt 715-.15 to 641 · Structure no. 000000000003896

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
309
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dismal River Rd. over Long Branch is a concrete slab carrying Dismal River Rd. over Long Branch in Buchanan County, Virginia. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 309 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 345 by 2045. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDismal River Rd.
CrossesLong Branch
Location1.15 FR Rt 715-.15 to 641
RouteCounty Highway 638
CountyBuchanan County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.25416, -81.98758
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating92 US tons
Inventory rating71 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic309 (2022)
Projected traffic345 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$39 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dismal River Rd. over Long Branch built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Dismal River Rd. over Long 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Dismal River Rd. over Long Branch carry?

About 309 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Dismal River Rd. over Long Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Dismal River Rd. over Long Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.