US Bridges

Route 717 over Branch Fork Creek

Fair

Tazewell County, Virginia · 0.35 FR 102; 0.02 to 643 · Structure no. 000000000018659

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
66 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
49
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 717 over Branch Fork Creek is a concrete slab carrying Route 717 over Branch Fork Creek in Tazewell County, Virginia. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 49 vehicles a day, projected to reach 56 by 2045. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 717
CrossesBranch Fork Creek
Location0.35 FR 102; 0.02 to 643
RouteCounty Highway 717
CountyTazewell County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.27568, -81.30556
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic49 (2015)
Projected traffic56 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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$380.3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 717 over Branch Fork Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 717 over Branch Fork Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Route 717 over Branch Fork Creek carry?

About 49 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Route 717 over Branch Fork Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Route 717 over Branch Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.