US Bridges

Lee Highway /11SBL over Thornspring Branch

Fair

Pulaski County, Virginia · .98-RTE643W ; .78-RTE645 · Structure no. 000000000014453

Built
1922
103 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
36 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,888
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lee Highway /11SBL over Thornspring Branch is a concrete continuous slab carrying Lee Highway /11SBL over Thornspring Branch in Pulaski County, Virginia. It was built in 1922, so it is 103 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 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 5,888 vehicles a day, projected to reach 8,598 by 2042. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLee Highway /11SBL
CrossesThornspring Branch
Location.98-RTE643W ; .78-RTE645
RouteU.S. Route 11
CountyPulaski County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.08711, -80.74505
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating85 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,888 (2022)
Projected traffic8,598 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$282.9 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lee Highway /11SBL over Thornspring Branch built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lee Highway /11SBL over Thornspring 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Lee Highway /11SBL over Thornspring Branch carry?

About 5,888 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Lee Highway /11SBL over Thornspring Branch?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Lee Highway /11SBL over Thornspring Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.