US Bridges

Reserve Ave Ext over Roanoke River

Fair

Roanoke city, Virginia · .3 Belvw Av & .17 Jefsn S · Structure no. 000000000021626

Built
1978
47 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
162 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2012 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Reserve Ave Ext over Roanoke River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Reserve Ave Ext over Roanoke River in Roanoke city, Virginia. It was built in 1978 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 47 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 75 by 2042. The structure is 162 ft (49.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesReserve Ave Ext
CrossesRoanoke River
Location.3 Belvw Av & .17 Jefsn S
RouteCity Street 0
CountyRoanoke city
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.25297, -79.94275
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating61.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length162 ft (49.3 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2012)
Projected traffic75 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$85 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Reserve Ave Ext over Roanoke River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is Reserve Ave Ext over Roanoke 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Reserve Ave Ext over Roanoke River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2012 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Reserve Ave Ext over Roanoke River?

The structure is 162 ft (49.3 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Reserve Ave Ext over Roanoke River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.