US Bridges

Route 16 over Laurel Fork

Fair

Tazewell County, Virginia · .09MFRRT.601;3.29MTOSMYCL · Structure no. 000000000018401

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
127 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
236
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 16 over Laurel Fork is a concrete continuous slab carrying Route 16 over Laurel Fork in Tazewell County, Virginia. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 76 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.

It carries about 236 vehicles a day, projected to reach 263 by 2045. The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.2 mi (55 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 16
CrossesLaurel Fork
Location.09MFRRT.601;3.29MTOSMYCL
RouteState Highway 16
CountyTazewell County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.01422, -81.52759
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating58 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length127 ft (38.7 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic236 (2022)
Projected traffic263 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.2 mi (55 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$718.3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 16 over Laurel Fork built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is Route 16 over Laurel Fork 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 2023.

How much traffic does Route 16 over Laurel Fork carry?

About 236 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Route 16 over Laurel Fork?

The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Route 16 over Laurel Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.