US Bridges

Route 16 over Dickey Creek

FairPosted for load

Smyth County, Virginia · 13.8 to R11;2.3 to Grayco · Structure no. 000000000017393

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,181
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 16 over Dickey Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Route 16 over Dickey Creek in Smyth County, Virginia. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 5 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 1,181 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,317 by 2045. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 16
CrossesDickey Creek
Location13.8 to R11;2.3 to Grayco
RouteState Highway 16
CountySmyth County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.73321, -81.4369
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 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 rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,181 (2022)
Projected traffic1,317 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$209.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 16 over Dickey Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 16 over Dickey Creek 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Route 16 over Dickey Creek carry?

About 1,181 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Route 16 over Dickey Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Route 16 over Dickey Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.