US Bridges

Route 16 over Town Branch

Fair

Tazewell County, Virginia · 0.19MIFR19&7.57MITOWVALIN · Structure no. 000000000018400

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,843
2022 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 16 over Town Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Route 16 over Town Branch in Tazewell County, Virginia. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 2,843 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3,170 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 16
CrossesTown Branch
Location0.19MIFR19&7.57MITOWVALIN
RouteState Highway 16
CountyTazewell County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.13, -81.52659
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,843 (2022)
Projected traffic3,170 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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 Town Branch built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 16 over Town 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Route 16 over Town Branch carry?

About 2,843 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Route 16 over Town Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns Route 16 over Town Branch?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.