US Bridges

Lee Highway over Branch

Fair

Smyth County, Virginia · 1.4 FRRT107-7.48TOMARION · Structure no. 000000000017381

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,374
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lee Highway over Branch is a concrete slab carrying Lee Highway over Branch in Smyth County, Virginia. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1999, 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 6,374 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7,107 by 2045. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLee Highway
CrossesBranch
Location1.4 FRRT107-7.48TOMARION
RouteU.S. Route 11
CountySmyth County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.81306, -81.66249
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2025
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.9 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.2 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,374 (2022)
Projected traffic7,107 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure3
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$204.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lee Highway over Branch built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is Lee Highway over 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 March 2025.

How much traffic does Lee Highway over Branch carry?

About 6,374 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Lee Highway over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.9 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns Lee Highway over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.