US Bridges

Walnut Avenue over Roanoke River

Good

Roanoke city, Virginia · 0047220 0233ECL Roan · Structure no. 000000000021690

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
162 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,311
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Walnut Avenue over Roanoke River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Walnut Avenue over Roanoke River in Roanoke city, Virginia. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 125 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,311 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7,754 by 2042. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWalnut Avenue
CrossesRoanoke River
Location0047220 0233ECL Roan
RouteState Highway 116
CountyRoanoke city
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.25877, -79.93798
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,311 (2022)
Projected traffic7,754 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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$52 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Walnut Avenue over Roanoke River built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is Walnut Avenue over Roanoke River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Walnut Avenue over Roanoke River carry?

About 5,311 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Walnut Avenue over Roanoke River?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Walnut Avenue over Roanoke River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.