US Bridges

Polar Circle over Big Lick Branch

Fair

Buchanan County, Virginia · 0.0-RT. 83; 0.0-DEAD End · Structure no. 000000000029780

Built
2001
24 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Polar Circle over Big Lick Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Polar Circle over Big Lick Branch in Buchanan County, Virginia. It was built in 2001 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 24 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 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 90 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPolar Circle
CrossesBig Lick Branch
Location0.0-RT. 83; 0.0-DEAD End
RouteCity Street 3257
CountyBuchanan County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.21891, -82.10867
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.7 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2011)
Projected traffic90 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed198.8 mi (320 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$571 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Polar Circle over Big Lick Branch built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is Polar Circle over Big Lick 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Polar Circle over Big Lick Branch carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Polar Circle over Big Lick Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.7 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Polar Circle over Big Lick Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.