US Bridges

Route 16 over Johnson Branch

FairPosted for load

Tazewell County, Virginia · 0.02 Fr. 636; 0.68 to 635 · Structure no. 000000000018390

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,052
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 16 over Johnson Branch is a concrete slab carrying Route 16 over Johnson Branch in Tazewell County, Virginia. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1976, so it is 96 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 5 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 3,052 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3,403 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 16
CrossesJohnson Branch
Location0.02 Fr. 636; 0.68 to 635
RouteState Highway 16
CountyTazewell County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.16858, -81.54563
Functional classRural 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.9 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,052 (2022)
Projected traffic3,403 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 Route 16 over Johnson Branch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

What condition is Route 16 over Johnson Branch 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Route 16 over Johnson Branch carry?

About 3,052 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Route 16 over Johnson Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns Route 16 over Johnson Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.