US Bridges

Laurelbranchrd 729 over West Fork Little River

Good

Floyd County, Virginia · 0.45 Rt 745; 0.45 Rt 728 · Structure no. 000000000007610

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
67 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
443
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Laurelbranchrd 729 over West Fork Little River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Laurelbranchrd 729 over West Fork Little River in Floyd County, Virginia. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 443 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 494 by 2045. The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesLaurelbranchrd 729
CrossesWest Fork Little River
Location0.45 Rt 745; 0.45 Rt 728
RouteCounty Highway 729
CountyFloyd County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.90346, -80.40121
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length67 ft (20.4 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic443 (2022)
Projected traffic494 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$259.8 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Laurelbranchrd 729 over West Fork Little River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Laurelbranchrd 729 over West Fork Little River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does Laurelbranchrd 729 over West Fork Little River carry?

About 443 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Laurelbranchrd 729 over West Fork Little River?

The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Laurelbranchrd 729 over West Fork Little River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.