US Bridges

Route 61 over Cove Creek

Poor

Tazewell County, Virginia · 11.80-I-77 ;3.20-RT 614 · Structure no. 000000000018469

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
66 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
470
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 61 over Cove Creek is a concrete slab carrying Route 61 over Cove Creek in Tazewell County, Virginia. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 470 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 524 by 2045. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 61
CrossesCove Creek
Location11.80-I-77 ;3.20-RT 614
RouteState Highway 61
CountyTazewell County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.17704, -81.29657
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating56 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic470 (2022)
Projected traffic524 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 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 with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$286 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 61 over Cove Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 61 over Cove Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Route 61 over Cove Creek carry?

About 470 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Route 61 over Cove Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Route 61 over Cove Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.