US Bridges

Sowers ROAD/705 over Laurel Creek

FairPosted for load

Floyd County, Virginia · 1.25 Rt 616; 1.55 Rt 615 · Structure no. 000000000007594

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
77
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sowers ROAD/705 over Laurel Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sowers ROAD/705 over Laurel Creek in Floyd County, Virginia. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 77 vehicles a day, projected to reach 89 by 2045. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesSowers ROAD/705
CrossesLaurel Creek
Location1.25 Rt 616; 1.55 Rt 615
RouteCounty Highway 705
CountyFloyd County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.00567, -80.35837
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic77 (2014)
Projected traffic89 by 2045
Trucks0%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sowers ROAD/705 over Laurel Creek built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sowers ROAD/705 over Laurel Creek 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Sowers ROAD/705 over Laurel Creek carry?

About 77 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is Sowers ROAD/705 over Laurel Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Sowers ROAD/705 over Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.