US Bridges

Exeter Rd. over Looney Ck

Fair

Wise County, Virginia · .08FRRT.160;5.70TOWISE Cl · Structure no. 000000000019319

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
486 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
925
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Exeter Rd. over Looney Ck is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Exeter Rd. over Looney Ck in Wise County, Virginia. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 925 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,031 by 2045. The structure is 486 ft (148.1 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesExeter Rd.
CrossesLooney Ck
Location.08FRRT.160;5.70TOWISE Cl
RouteState Highway 68
CountyWise County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.90269, -82.79114
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating75.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length486 ft (148.1 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.9 m)
Roadway width46 ft (13.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic925 (2022)
Projected traffic1,031 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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$74.1 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Exeter Rd. over Looney Ck built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Exeter Rd. over Looney Ck 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 Exeter Rd. over Looney Ck carry?

About 925 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Exeter Rd. over Looney Ck?

The structure is 486 ft (148.1 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns Exeter Rd. over Looney Ck?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.