US Bridges

Route 16 over Plum Creek

FairPosted for load

Tazewell County, Virginia · .91TO19B & 12.15TOSMYTHCO · Structure no. 000000000018392

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,335
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 16 over Plum Creek is a concrete slab carrying Route 16 over Plum Creek in Tazewell County, Virginia. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 2,335 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,604 by 2045. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 16
CrossesPlum Creek
Location.91TO19B & 12.15TOSMYTHCO
RouteState Highway 16
CountyTazewell County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.08837, -81.55288
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,335 (2022)
Projected traffic2,604 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$97.9 million (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 16 over Plum Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 16 over Plum 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Route 16 over Plum Creek carry?

About 2,335 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Route 16 over Plum Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Route 16 over Plum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.