US Bridges

Lee Highway over M Fork Holston River

Fair

Smyth County, Virginia · 0.92 FR 16; 2.50 to 622 · Structure no. 000000000023781

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
179 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,066
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lee Highway over M Fork Holston River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Lee Highway over M Fork Holston River in Smyth County, Virginia. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 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 9,066 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10,109 by 2045. The structure is 179 ft (54.5 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesLee Highway
CrossesM Fork Holston River
Location0.92 FR 16; 2.50 to 622
RouteU.S. Route 11
CountySmyth County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.84942, -81.48857
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating109 US tons
Inventory rating84 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length179 ft (54.5 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.5 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.7 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,066 (2022)
Projected traffic10,109 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$130 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lee Highway over M Fork Holston River built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lee Highway over M Fork Holston River 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 Lee Highway over M Fork Holston River carry?

About 9,066 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Lee Highway over M Fork Holston River?

The structure is 179 ft (54.5 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.5 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns Lee Highway over M Fork Holston River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.