US Bridges

Hurshell Drive over Queen Fork

Fair

Buchanan County, Virginia · 0.10-RT.647; 0.0-DEAD End · Structure no. 000000000029754

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hurshell Drive over Queen Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Hurshell Drive over Queen Fork in Buchanan County, Virginia. It was built in 1932, 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 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 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 90 by 2042. The structure is 29 ft (8.9 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHurshell Drive
CrossesQueen Fork
Location0.10-RT.647; 0.0-DEAD End
RouteCity Street 2459
CountyBuchanan County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.42104, -81.98953
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.5 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.2 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2011)
Projected traffic90 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$438 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hurshell Drive over Queen Fork built?

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

What condition is Hurshell Drive over Queen Fork 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Hurshell Drive over Queen Fork carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Hurshell Drive over Queen Fork?

The structure is 29 ft (8.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.5 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Hurshell Drive over Queen Fork?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.