US Bridges

Route 743 over Clear Spring Branch

FairPosted for load

Lee County, Virginia · 0.30 Fr. 743; 0.63 to 629 · Structure no. 000000000010967

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 743 over Clear Spring Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 743 over Clear Spring Branch in Lee County, Virginia. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

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CarriesRoute 743
CrossesClear Spring Branch
Location0.30 Fr. 743; 0.63 to 629
RouteCounty Highway 743
CountyLee County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.76502, -82.94979
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.2 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14 (2022)
Projected traffic16 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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$105.3 million (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 743 over Clear Spring Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 743 over Clear Spring Branch 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Route 743 over Clear Spring Branch carry?

About 14 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Route 743 over Clear Spring Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.2 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Route 743 over Clear Spring Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.