US Bridges

North 71 over Copper Creek

FairPosted for load

Russell County, Virginia · 7.30MTO 19B & 1.40MTO 58A · Structure no. 000000000016344

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,743
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

North 71 over Copper Creek is a concrete slab carrying North 71 over Copper Creek in Russell County, Virginia. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1990, 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 6 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 2,743 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3,058 by 2045. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

CarriesNorth 71
CrossesCopper Creek
Location7.30MTO 19B & 1.40MTO 58A
RouteState Highway 71
Coordinates36.85677, -82.21021
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,743 (2022)
Projected traffic3,058 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 North 71 over Copper Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is North 71 over Copper Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does North 71 over Copper Creek carry?

About 2,743 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is North 71 over Copper Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns North 71 over Copper Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.