US Bridges

Flowing Springs RD over Bear Creek

Fair

Smyth County, Virginia · 1.15 FR 685; 0.05 to 622 · Structure no. 000000000017566

Built
2011
14 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
82
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Flowing Springs RD over Bear Creek is a concrete slab carrying Flowing Springs RD over Bear Creek in Smyth County, Virginia. It was built in 2011, so it is 14 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 82 vehicles a day, projected to reach 91 by 2045. The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFlowing Springs RD
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.15 FR 685; 0.05 to 622
RouteCounty Highway 617
CountySmyth County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.87542, -81.43887
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.6 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.6 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic82 (2022)
Projected traffic91 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Flowing Springs RD over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 2011, making it 14 years old in 2025.

What condition is Flowing Springs RD over Bear 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 March 2025.

How much traffic does Flowing Springs RD over Bear Creek carry?

About 82 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Flowing Springs RD over Bear Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.6 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Flowing Springs RD over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.