US Bridges

Upper Fork Road over Shaw Fork

Fair

Highland County, Virginia · 2.56 Rt 250 - 0.04 D. End · Structure no. 000000000010300

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
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 1982, so it is 43 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.

It carries about 14 vehicles a day, projected to reach 16 by 2042. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUpper Fork Road
CrossesShaw Fork
Location2.56 Rt 250 - 0.04 D. End
RouteCounty Highway 616
CountyHighland County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.34743, -79.38237
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3.2 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 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$190 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Upper Fork Road over Shaw Fork built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 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 May 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 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Upper Fork Road over Shaw Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.