US Bridges

Route 638 over Mill Branch

Fair

Buchanan County, Virginia · 2.30FRRT636;1.60TORT635 · Structure no. 000000000003897

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
181
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 638 over Mill Branch is a concrete slab carrying Route 638 over Mill Branch in Buchanan County, Virginia. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 6 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 181 vehicles a day, projected to reach 264 by 2045. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 638
CrossesMill Branch
Location2.30FRRT636;1.60TORT635
RouteCounty Highway 638
CountyBuchanan County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.24177, -81.84534
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating87 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 traffic181 (2022)
Projected traffic264 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 638 over Mill Branch built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 638 over Mill Branch 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 2023.

How much traffic does Route 638 over Mill Branch carry?

About 181 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Route 638 over Mill 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 Route 638 over Mill Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.