US Bridges

Upper Fork Road over Shaw Fork

FairPosted for load

Highland County, Virginia · 0.86 D. End - 1.74 Rt 250 · Structure no. 000000000010293

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
65 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Upper Fork Road over Shaw Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Upper Fork Road over Shaw Fork in Highland County, Virginia. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 14 vehicles a day, projected to reach 16 by 2042. The structure is 65 ft (19.9 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesUpper Fork Road
CrossesShaw Fork
Location0.86 D. End - 1.74 Rt 250
RouteCounty Highway 616
CountyHighland County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.33988, -79.38917
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating21.1 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length65 ft (19.9 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14 (2018)
Projected traffic16 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$345 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Upper Fork Road over Shaw Fork built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025.

What condition is Upper Fork Road over Shaw 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Upper Fork Road over Shaw Fork carry?

About 14 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is Upper Fork Road over Shaw Fork?

The structure is 65 ft (19.9 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Upper Fork Road over Shaw Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.