US Bridges

Route 729 over Branch

Fair

Lee County, Virginia · 0.10 to 58 & 0.30 to 691 · Structure no. 000000000025806

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
156
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 729 over Branch is a concrete frame carrying Route 729 over Branch in Lee County, Virginia. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 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 156 vehicles a day, projected to reach 178 by 2042. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 729
CrossesBranch
Location0.10 to 58 & 0.30 to 691
RouteCounty Highway 729
CountyLee County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.62223, -83.54806
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating56 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic156 (2022)
Projected traffic178 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 729 over Branch built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 729 over 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Route 729 over Branch carry?

About 156 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Route 729 over Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Route 729 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.