US Bridges

South Main St. over Chestnut Creek

FairPosted for load

Galax city, Virginia · 0085 58 0095 Scl Galax · Structure no. 000000000020278

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
173 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,117
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

South Main St. over Chestnut Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying South Main St. over Chestnut Creek in Galax city, Virginia. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5,117 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5,705 by 2045. The structure is 173 ft (52.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesSouth Main St.
CrossesChestnut Creek
Location0085 58 0095 Scl Galax
RouteState Highway 89
CountyGalax city
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.64581, -80.91911
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating41 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length173 ft (52.7 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,117 (2022)
Projected traffic5,705 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$220 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was South Main St. over Chestnut Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is South Main St. over Chestnut Creek 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does South Main St. over Chestnut Creek carry?

About 5,117 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is South Main St. over Chestnut Creek?

The structure is 173 ft (52.7 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns South Main St. over Chestnut Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.