US Bridges

Deans Branch Road over S Fork Holston River

FairPosted for load

Smyth County, Virginia · .01TORT650;.99TO Deadend · Structure no. 000000000027118

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
102 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
132
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Deans Branch Road over S Fork Holston River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Deans Branch Road over S Fork Holston River in Smyth County, Virginia. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 132 vehicles a day, projected to reach 147 by 2042. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDeans Branch Road
CrossesS Fork Holston River
Location.01TORT650;.99TO Deadend
RouteCounty Highway 709
CountySmyth County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.76413, -81.5583
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length102 ft (31.1 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic132 (2022)
Projected traffic147 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed198.8 mi (320 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 Deans Branch Road over S Fork Holston River built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is Deans Branch Road over S 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 2024.

How much traffic does Deans Branch Road over S Fork Holston River carry?

About 132 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Deans Branch Road over S Fork Holston River?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Deans Branch Road over S Fork Holston River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.