US Bridges

Sun Drive over Hamlin Branch

FairPosted for load

Russell County, Virginia · .00MTO63&.02MTOENDMAINT. · Structure no. 000000000016534

Built
1975
50 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sun Drive over Hamlin Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sun Drive over Hamlin Branch in Russell County, Virginia. It was built in 1975 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 50 years old, younger 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 12 by 2042. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSun Drive
CrossesHamlin Branch
Location.00MTO63&.02MTOENDMAINT.
RouteCounty Highway 838
CountyRussell County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.93769, -82.28407
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2015)
Projected traffic12 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed198.8 mi (320 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 Sun Drive over Hamlin Branch built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is Sun Drive over Hamlin 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Sun Drive over Hamlin Branch carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Sun Drive over Hamlin Branch?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Sun Drive over Hamlin Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.