US Bridges

Bluegrass Trl. over Cove Creek

Fair

Smyth County, Virginia · 1.81 to R16; 7.5 Tp R91 · Structure no. 000000000017406

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
185
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bluegrass Trl. over Cove Creek is a concrete slab carrying Bluegrass Trl. over Cove Creek in Smyth County, Virginia. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 77 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 185 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 206 by 2045. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBluegrass Trl.
CrossesCove Creek
Location1.81 to R16; 7.5 Tp R91
RouteState Highway 42
CountySmyth County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.96122, -81.56229
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.
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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic185 (2022)
Projected traffic206 by 2045
Trucks2%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$175.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bluegrass Trl. over Cove Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is Bluegrass Trl. over Cove 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Bluegrass Trl. over Cove Creek carry?

About 185 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Bluegrass Trl. over Cove Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Bluegrass Trl. over Cove Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.