US Bridges

Blue Ridge Road over Bluestone River

Fair

Tazewell County, Virginia · .05-720;.5FINCASTLE Farms · Structure no. 000000000029657

Built
2011
14 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
63 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2005 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blue Ridge Road over Bluestone River is a concrete frame carrying Blue Ridge Road over Bluestone River in Tazewell County, Virginia. It was built in 2011, so it is 14 years old, younger 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2042. The structure is 63 ft (19.1 m) long and 32 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBlue Ridge Road
CrossesBluestone River
Location.05-720;.5FINCASTLE Farms
RouteCounty Highway 851
CountyTazewell County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.23264, -81.3042
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length63 ft (19.1 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2005)
Projected traffic75 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$118.3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Blue Ridge Road over Bluestone River built?

It was built in 2011, making it 14 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blue Ridge Road over Bluestone 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Blue Ridge Road over Bluestone River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2005 count).

How long is Blue Ridge Road over Bluestone River?

The structure is 63 ft (19.1 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Blue Ridge Road over Bluestone River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.