US Bridges

Old Furnace RD/703 over Sinking Creek

Fair

Giles County, Virginia · 0.42-RT 42;0.06- Dead End · Structure no. 000000000008481

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
64 ft
20 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Furnace RD/703 over Sinking Creek is a steel culvert carrying Old Furnace RD/703 over Sinking Creek in Giles 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 5 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 81 by 2045. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

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CarriesOld Furnace RD/703
CrossesSinking Creek
Location0.42-RT 42;0.06- Dead End
RouteCounty Highway 703
CountyGiles County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.30737, -80.46824
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans20
Design loadUnknown
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span3 ft (0.9 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2014)
Projected traffic81 by 2045
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

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$168.6 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Furnace RD/703 over Sinking Creek built?

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

What condition is Old Furnace RD/703 over Sinking 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Old Furnace RD/703 over Sinking Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is Old Furnace RD/703 over Sinking Creek?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 3 ft (0.9 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Old Furnace RD/703 over Sinking Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.