US Bridges

Wissler RD over N Fork Shenandoah River

FairPosted for load

Shenandoah County, Virginia · 0.92 to 698 - 0.45 to 11 · Structure no. 000000000017275

Built
1893
132 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
204 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
552
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wissler RD over N Fork Shenandoah River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wissler RD over N Fork Shenandoah River in Shenandoah County, Virginia. It was built in 1893, so it is 132 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 552 vehicles a day, projected to reach 615 by 2045. The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesWissler RD
CrossesN Fork Shenandoah River
Location0.92 to 698 - 0.45 to 11
RouteCounty Highway 720
CountyShenandoah County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.72085, -78.65548
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating29 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length204 ft (62.2 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck10 ft (3.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic552 (2022)
Projected traffic615 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$96 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wissler RD over N Fork Shenandoah River built?

It was built in 1893, making it 132 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wissler RD over N Fork Shenandoah 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Wissler RD over N Fork Shenandoah River carry?

About 552 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Wissler RD over N Fork Shenandoah River?

The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Wissler RD over N Fork Shenandoah River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.