US Bridges

Iron Bridge RD 704 over Smith River

Fair

Patrick County, Virginia · 1.20 Rt 782; 1.80 Rt 718 · Structure no. 000000000013376

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
164 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
294
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Iron Bridge RD 704 over Smith River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Iron Bridge RD 704 over Smith River in Patrick County, Virginia. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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.

It carries about 294 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 328 by 2042. The structure is 164 ft (50.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIron Bridge RD 704
CrossesSmith River
Location1.20 Rt 782; 1.80 Rt 718
RouteCounty Highway 704
CountyPatrick County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.8052, -80.20081
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating58 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length164 ft (50.1 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic294 (2022)
Projected traffic328 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Iron Bridge RD 704 over Smith River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Iron Bridge RD 704 over Smith River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Iron Bridge RD 704 over Smith River carry?

About 294 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Iron Bridge RD 704 over Smith River?

The structure is 164 ft (50.1 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Iron Bridge RD 704 over Smith River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.