US Bridges

West Norton Road over Powell River

Good

Wise County, Virginia · .35 M to 610 &.15M to 23B · Structure no. 000000000019483

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 2007
Condition
Good
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
79 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
235
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Norton Road over Powell River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying West Norton Road over Powell River in Wise County, Virginia. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 2007, so it is 95 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 235 vehicles a day, projected to reach 263 by 2045. The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWest Norton Road
CrossesPowell River
Location.35 M to 610 &.15M to 23B
RouteCounty Highway 790
CountyWise County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.92451, -82.67486
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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 rating64 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length79 ft (24.1 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic235 (2021)
Projected traffic263 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was West Norton Road over Powell River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2007.

What condition is West Norton Road over Powell 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does West Norton Road over Powell River carry?

About 235 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is West Norton Road over Powell River?

The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns West Norton Road over Powell River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.