US Bridges

Route 61 over Clear Fork

Fair

Tazewell County, Virginia · 6.63 to 19&7.33 FR Bland · Structure no. 000000000018474

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
590
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 61 over Clear Fork is a concrete culvert carrying Route 61 over Clear Fork in Tazewell County, Virginia. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 590 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 658 by 2042. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 61
CrossesClear Fork
Location6.63 to 19&7.33 FR Bland
RouteState Highway 61
CountyTazewell County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.1422, -81.38583
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic590 (2022)
Projected traffic658 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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 61 over Clear Fork built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 61 over Clear 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Route 61 over Clear Fork carry?

About 590 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Route 61 over Clear Fork?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns Route 61 over Clear Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.