US Bridges

Route 23B over NS Railway

FairPosted for load

Wise County, Virginia · .43M to 78 & .11M to 68 · Structure no. 000000000019249

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
128 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,507
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 23B over NS Railway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 23B over NS Railway in Wise County, Virginia. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 2009, so it is 88 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 6,507 vehicles a day, projected to reach 9,500 by 2045. The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 23B
CrossesNS Railway
Location.43M to 78 & .11M to 68
RouteU.S. Route 23
CountyWise County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.9019, -82.78593
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length128 ft (39 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,507 (2022)
Projected traffic9,500 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$468 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 23B over NS Railway built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is Route 23B over NS Railway 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Route 23B over NS Railway carry?

About 6,507 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Route 23B over NS Railway?

The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Route 23B over NS Railway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.