US Bridges

Natural Tunnel Pky over Stream

Fair

Scott County, Virginia · .15M to 874 & .30M to 812 · Structure no. 000000000016939

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
562
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Natural Tunnel Pky over Stream is a concrete slab carrying Natural Tunnel Pky over Stream in Scott County, Virginia. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 2010, 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.

It carries about 562 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 627 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNatural Tunnel Pky
CrossesStream
Location.15M to 874 & .30M to 812
RouteCounty Highway 871
CountyScott County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.69331, -82.7512
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating84 US tons
Inventory rating65 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic562 (2022)
Projected traffic627 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$110.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Natural Tunnel Pky over Stream built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is Natural Tunnel Pky over Stream 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Natural Tunnel Pky over Stream carry?

About 562 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Natural Tunnel Pky over Stream?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Natural Tunnel Pky over Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.