US Bridges

Hawk Thorn Drive over Straight Creek

PoorPosted for load

Lee County, Virginia · 0.0FR End MAIN.;0.0TO 352 · Structure no. 000000000010993

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
49 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
45
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hawk Thorn Drive over Straight Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Hawk Thorn Drive over Straight Creek 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 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 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 61 by 2045. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHawk Thorn Drive
CrossesStraight Creek
Location0.0FR End MAIN.;0.0TO 352
RouteCounty Highway 801
CountyLee County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.77873, -83.05924
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

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.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating27 US tons
Inventory rating16 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2018)
Projected traffic61 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$166.4 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hawk Thorn Drive over Straight Creek built?

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

What condition is Hawk Thorn Drive over Straight Creek 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Hawk Thorn Drive over Straight Creek carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is Hawk Thorn Drive over Straight Creek?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Hawk Thorn Drive over Straight Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.