US Bridges

Fincastle DR.(720) over Bluestone River

Good

Tazewell County, Virginia · 1.70 Bl ST DR 0.15 Shady · Structure no. 000000000022421

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
63 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,634
2020 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fincastle DR.(720) over Bluestone River is a concrete culvert carrying Fincastle DR.(720) over Bluestone River in Tazewell County, Virginia. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 2,634 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,951 by 2040. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesFincastle DR.(720)
CrossesBluestone River
Location1.70 Bl ST DR 0.15 Shady
RouteCity Street 0
CountyTazewell County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.23523, -81.28992
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating31 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,634 (2020)
Projected traffic3,951 by 2040
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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 Fincastle DR.(720) over Bluestone River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fincastle DR.(720) 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Fincastle DR.(720) over Bluestone River carry?

About 2,634 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Fincastle DR.(720) over Bluestone River?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m).

Who owns Fincastle DR.(720) over Bluestone River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.