US Bridges

Newbern Road over Thorn Spring

FairPosted for load

Pulaski County, Virginia · 0.22 Rt 683 & 0.10 Rt 611 · Structure no. 000000000021269

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
70
1993 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Newbern Road over Thorn Spring is a concrete arch - deck carrying Newbern Road over Thorn Spring in Pulaski County, Virginia. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 70 vehicles a day, projected to reach 80 by 2041. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 18 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNewbern Road
CrossesThorn Spring
Location0.22 Rt 683 & 0.10 Rt 611
RouteCity Street 789
CountyPulaski County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.06213, -80.73998
Functional classUrban 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
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (1993)
Projected traffic80 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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$81 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Newbern Road over Thorn Spring built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is Newbern Road over Thorn Spring 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Newbern Road over Thorn Spring carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (1993 count).

How long is Newbern Road over Thorn Spring?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Newbern Road over Thorn Spring?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.