US Bridges

Possum Hollow Road over Branch

Good

Smyth County, Virginia · 1.4 to R633;1.2 to R610 · Structure no. 000000000027794

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
377
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Possum Hollow Road over Branch is a concrete frame carrying Possum Hollow Road over Branch in Smyth County, Virginia. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 years old, younger than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 377 vehicles a day, projected to reach 420 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPossum Hollow Road
CrossesBranch
Location1.4 to R633;1.2 to R610
RouteCounty Highway 723
CountySmyth County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.88312, -81.69605
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 rating64 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.5 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic377 (2022)
Projected traffic420 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$108.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Possum Hollow Road over Branch built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is Possum Hollow Road over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does Possum Hollow Road over Branch carry?

About 377 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Possum Hollow Road over Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.5 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Possum Hollow Road over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.