A bridge walked into a bar. The bartender said, 'Why the long span?'
A bridge walked into a bar. The bartender said, 'Why the long span?'
Why do engineers love bridges? They're outstanding in their field.
over DISMAL RIVER
0.00-Rt 638; 6.80-Rt 621
Parametric wireframe generated from real NBI dimensions. Drag to rotate, scroll to zoom.
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This bridge has a Poor overall condition rating of 4 out of 9. This bridge is classified as being in poor condition, meaning one or more structural components have significant deterioration. Poor condition does not mean the bridge is unsafe to drive on, but it does mean repairs or replacement may be needed.
The bridge carries 639 vehicles per day and is 54 years old.
Its sufficiency rating of 51.4 places it below the national average of 63.6.
For travelers with bridge anxiety
This bridge may cause some awareness for travelers with bridge anxiety, but has manageable characteristics.
This bridge is 102 feet long — a quick crossing, under 5 seconds at highway speed.
A standard overpass design with solid barriers on each side.
No height data available — likely a standard overpass height.
Only about 639 vehicles cross daily — very light traffic with low congestion risk.
The deck is 32 feet wide with 1-2 lanes — a narrower crossing.
This bridge crosses over water. Focus on the road ahead — the water is far below.
This comfort score is designed to help individuals with bridge anxiety plan their travel. All bridges in the National Bridge Inventory are regularly inspected and deemed safe for travel. This is not medical advice — if you experience severe anxiety, please consult a healthcare professional.
Year Built
1972
54 years old
Structure Type
Steel Stringer/Multi-beam/Girder
Total Length
102 ft
31.1 m
Deck Width
32 ft
9.8 m
Spans
3
sections between supports
Max Span
40 ft
longest unsupported section (12.2 m)
Traffic Lanes
2 lanes
Two-way traffic
Daily Traffic
639vehicles/day
37.23426°N, 81.86270°W
Steel Stringer/Multi-beam/Girder
A steel stringer bridge uses parallel steel beams (stringers) to support the deck. This is one of the most common bridge types in the US, valued for its simplicity and strength.
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Data from the National Bridge Inventory (NBI), maintained by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Data year: 2025. Conditions may have changed since the last inspection.
This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as the sole basis for any decisions related to bridge safety or transportation planning. Always consult official sources and local authorities for the most current data.