US Bridges

Route 717 over Bluestone River

Good

Tazewell County, Virginia · .01MFRRT.102;.35MTORT.643 · Structure no. 000000000018657

Built
1912
113 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
73 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 717 over Bluestone River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 717 over Bluestone River in Tazewell County, Virginia. It was built in 1912 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 113 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2042. The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 717
CrossesBluestone River
Location.01MFRRT.102;.35MTORT.643
RouteCounty Highway 717
CountyTazewell County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.27145, -81.30505
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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 rating93 US tons
Inventory rating71 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length73 ft (22.3 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.4 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2015)
Projected traffic40 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$552 million (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 717 over Bluestone River built?

It was built in 1912, making it 113 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is Route 717 over Bluestone River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Route 717 over Bluestone River carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Route 717 over Bluestone River?

The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Route 717 over Bluestone River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.