US Bridges

Lee Highway /11NBL over Thornspring Branch

Fair

Pulaski County, Virginia · 0.98-RTE643W; 0.78-RTE645 · Structure no. 000000000014460

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
37 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11,777
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lee Highway /11NBL over Thornspring Branch is a concrete continuous slab carrying Lee Highway /11NBL over Thornspring Branch in Pulaski County, Virginia. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 11,777 vehicles a day, projected to reach 13,131 by 2042. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesLee Highway /11NBL
CrossesThornspring Branch
Location0.98-RTE643W; 0.78-RTE645
RouteU.S. Route 11
CountyPulaski County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.0869, -80.74497
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,777 (2022)
Projected traffic13,131 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 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$171.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lee Highway /11NBL 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 /11NBL over Thornspring Branch carry?

About 11,777 vehicles per day (2022 count).

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

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Lee Highway /11NBL over Thornspring Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.