US Bridges

Old Wilderness Rd. over Possum Jaw Creek

FairPosted for load

Smyth County, Virginia · 5.1 to R16-3.2 to Bland C · Structure no. 000000000017409

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
143
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Wilderness Rd. over Possum Jaw Creek is a concrete slab carrying Old Wilderness Rd. over Possum Jaw Creek in Smyth County, Virginia. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 143 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 159 by 2045. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.3 mi (15 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Wilderness Rd.
CrossesPossum Jaw Creek
Location5.1 to R16-3.2 to Bland C
RouteState Highway 42
CountySmyth County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.96212, -81.45395
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic143 (2022)
Projected traffic159 by 2045
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.3 mi (15 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Wilderness Rd. over Possum Jaw Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Wilderness Rd. over Possum Jaw 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 Old Wilderness Rd. over Possum Jaw Creek carry?

About 143 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Old Wilderness Rd. over Possum Jaw Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Old Wilderness Rd. over Possum Jaw Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.