Route 70 over Powell River
PoorPosted for loadLee County, Virginia · 1.84 to JONE&10.27 FR Ten · Structure no. 000000000010759
- Built
- 1962
- 63 years old, rebuilt 1991
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected September 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 340 ft
- 5 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 741
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
Route 70 over Powell River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 70 over Powell River in Lee County, Virginia. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 63 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.
The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.
It carries about 741 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 756 by 2045. The structure is 340 ft (103.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 64 mi (103 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Route 70 over Powell River built?
It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.
What condition is Route 70 over Powell River in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.
How much traffic does Route 70 over Powell River carry?
About 741 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.
How long is Route 70 over Powell River?
The structure is 340 ft (103.6 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.
Who owns Route 70 over Powell River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.