US Bridges

Route 637 over Clinch River

Fair

Tazewell County, Virginia · 0.25M to 19; 0.30 to 699 · Structure no. 000000000018601

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,506
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 1923 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 102 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 1,506 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,199 by 2042. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesRoute 637
CrossesClinch River
Location0.25M to 19; 0.30 to 699
RouteCounty Highway 637
CountyTazewell County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.08369, -81.69937
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,506 (2022)
Projected traffic2,199 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 637 over Clinch River built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Route 637 over Clinch River carry?

About 1,506 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Route 637 over Clinch River?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Route 637 over Clinch River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.