US Bridges

Pope Road over Slate Spring Branch

Fair

Wythe County, Virginia · .45M to 619 & .55M to 643 · Structure no. 000000000019705

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
27 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
120
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pope Road over Slate Spring Branch is a steel culvert carrying Pope Road over Slate Spring Branch in Wythe County, Virginia. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 120 vehicles a day, projected to reach 180 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesPope Road
CrossesSlate Spring Branch
Location.45M to 619 & .55M to 643
RouteCounty Highway 642
CountyWythe County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.8423, -81.05097
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2017)
Projected traffic180 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Pope Road over Slate Spring Branch built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pope Road over Slate Spring 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Pope Road over Slate Spring Branch carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is Pope Road over Slate Spring Branch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns Pope Road over Slate Spring Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.