US Bridges

Sinking Creek HWY over Clinch River

Fair

Scott County, Virginia · 0.21 FR 72-0.23 to 659 · Structure no. 000000000016590

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
392 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,173
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sinking Creek HWY over Clinch River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sinking Creek HWY over Clinch River in Scott County, Virginia. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 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 1,173 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,434 by 2042. The structure is 392 ft (119.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

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CarriesSinking Creek HWY
CrossesClinch River
Location0.21 FR 72-0.23 to 659
RouteState Highway 65
CountyScott County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.83121, -82.46263
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating58 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length392 ft (119.5 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,173 (2022)
Projected traffic1,434 by 2042
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 Sinking Creek HWY over Clinch River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sinking Creek HWY over Clinch River 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 Sinking Creek HWY over Clinch River carry?

About 1,173 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Sinking Creek HWY over Clinch River?

The structure is 392 ft (119.5 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Sinking Creek HWY over Clinch River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.