US Bridges

Bishop Road over Dean Branch

FairPosted for load

Wythe County, Virginia · 0.0M to 94&1.0MTO End RTE · Structure no. 000000000019703

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
61
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bishop Road over Dean Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bishop Road over Dean Branch in Wythe County, Virginia. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 93 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 6 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 61 vehicles a day, projected to reach 92 by 2042. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

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CarriesBishop Road
CrossesDean Branch
Location0.0M to 94&1.0MTO End RTE
RouteCounty Highway 641
CountyWythe County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.86005, -80.98194
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic61 (2017)
Projected traffic92 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed198.8 mi (320 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$91.3 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bishop Road over Dean Branch built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is Bishop Road over Dean Branch 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Bishop Road over Dean Branch carry?

About 61 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is Bishop Road over Dean Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Bishop Road over Dean Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.