US Bridges

US23(GILLEY Ave.E) over South Fork Powell River

Fair

Wise County, Virginia · 002958 Alt 0049SCL-B-S- · Structure no. 000000000019968

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
97 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,041
2022 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

US23(GILLEY Ave.E) over South Fork Powell River is a concrete tee beam carrying US23(GILLEY Ave.E) over South Fork Powell River in Wise County, Virginia. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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.

It carries about 13,041 vehicles a day, projected to reach 14,541 by 2045. The structure is 97 ft (29.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS23(GILLEY Ave.E)
CrossesSouth Fork Powell River
Location002958 Alt 0049SCL-B-S-
RouteU.S. Route 23
CountyWise County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.86497, -82.77139
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length97 ft (29.7 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.9 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,041 (2022)
Projected traffic14,541 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$412.5 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US23(GILLEY Ave.E) over South Fork Powell River built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is US23(GILLEY Ave.E) over South Fork Powell 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US23(GILLEY Ave.E) over South Fork Powell River carry?

About 13,041 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is US23(GILLEY Ave.E) over South Fork Powell River?

The structure is 97 ft (29.7 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US23(GILLEY Ave.E) over South Fork Powell River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.