US Bridges

Wardell RD over Little River

Fair

Tazewell County, Virginia · 1.6M to 603 & .20M to 770 · Structure no. 000000000018548

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
205 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,837
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wardell RD over Little River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wardell RD over Little River in Tazewell County, Virginia. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 64 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 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 2,837 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3,034 by 2045. The structure is 205 ft (62.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWardell RD
CrossesLittle River
Location1.6M to 603 & .20M to 770
RouteCounty Highway 609
CountyTazewell County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.02808, -81.79099
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length205 ft (62.6 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,837 (2022)
Projected traffic3,034 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Wardell RD over Little River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is Wardell RD over Little River 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Wardell RD over Little River carry?

About 2,837 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Wardell RD over Little River?

The structure is 205 ft (62.6 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Wardell RD over Little River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.