US Bridges

Bright Leaf Rd. over Russel Fork

FairPosted for load

Buchanan County, Virginia · 0.1-RT. 80; 0.2-DEAD End · Structure no. 000000000029802

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bright Leaf Rd. over Russel Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bright Leaf Rd. over Russel 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 90 by 2042. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

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CarriesBright Leaf Rd.
CrossesRussel Fork
Location0.1-RT. 80; 0.2-DEAD End
RouteCity Street 4261
CountyBuchanan County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.08136, -82.07789
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 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 rating19 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 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 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$428 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bright Leaf Rd. over Russel Fork built?

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

What condition is Bright Leaf Rd. over Russel 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Bright Leaf Rd. over Russel Fork carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Bright Leaf Rd. over Russel Fork?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Bright Leaf Rd. over Russel Fork?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.