US Bridges

Route 637 over Clinch River

Fair

Tazewell County, Virginia · .00FR765;1.25TO801 · Structure no. 000000000018596

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
108 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,158
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 637 over Clinch River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 637 over Clinch River in Tazewell County, Virginia. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 73 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 1,158 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,291 by 2045. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesRoute 637
CrossesClinch River
Location.00FR765;1.25TO801
RouteCounty Highway 637
CountyTazewell County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.11141, -81.62137
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation7: Better than 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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating89 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.5 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,158 (2022)
Projected traffic1,291 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$315 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 637 over Clinch River built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is Route 637 over Clinch 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 Route 637 over Clinch River carry?

About 1,158 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Route 637 over Clinch River?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.5 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Route 637 over Clinch River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.