US Bridges

Towes Ferry RD/697 over Branch of Claytor Lake

Good

Pulaski County, Virginia · 1.30-RTE611; 0.47-DEADEND · Structure no. 000000000025429

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
174
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Towes Ferry RD/697 over Branch of Claytor Lake is a concrete culvert carrying Towes Ferry RD/697 over Branch of Claytor Lake in Pulaski 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 174 vehicles a day, projected to reach 198 by 2042. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesTowes Ferry RD/697
CrossesBranch of Claytor Lake
Location1.30-RTE611; 0.47-DEADEND
RouteCounty Highway 697
CountyPulaski County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.05956, -80.67835
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic174 (2017)
Projected traffic198 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 Towes Ferry RD/697 over Branch of Claytor Lake built?

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

What condition is Towes Ferry RD/697 over Branch of Claytor Lake in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does Towes Ferry RD/697 over Branch of Claytor Lake carry?

About 174 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is Towes Ferry RD/697 over Branch of Claytor Lake?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns Towes Ferry RD/697 over Branch of Claytor Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.