US Bridges

M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. over Beaver Creek

Poor

Bristol city, Virginia · .15STATE ST;0.05 Scott ST · Structure no. 000000000020004

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,234
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. over Beaver Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. over Beaver Creek in Bristol city, Virginia. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1978, 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 5,234 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5,836 by 2042. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 91 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesM.L.K. Jr. Blvd.
CrossesBeaver Creek
Location.15STATE ST;0.05 Scott ST
RouteU.S. Route 0
CountyBristol city
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.59708, -82.17955
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width91 ft (27.6 m)
Roadway width85 ft (25.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,234 (2022)
Projected traffic5,836 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$45.5 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. over Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. over Beaver Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. over Beaver Creek carry?

About 5,234 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. over Beaver Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 91 ft wide.

Who owns M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. over Beaver Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.