The collapse happened approximately 12:00 p.m. when a concrete truck drove over the bridge while delivering concrete to a private property owner.

The bridge had a posted weight limit of eight tons. The bridge is a 158-foot one-lane steel truss and timber deck bridge that was built in 1932.

“This is an example of why we post weight limits on bridges. We will do a thorough investigation to determine exactly why this bridge collapsed. We want to remind all drivers to heed posted weight limits and follow posted safety instructions,” said Ken Walus, Virginia state bridge engineer.

The bridge intersects with Route 670 in the White Gate area, near Route 42.

Route 713 is currently closed in this area.

Work is underway to replace the structurally deficient truss bridge. The Route 713 bridge was last inspected on February 5, 2008.

More information about the bridge replacement project, including photographs of the truss bridge is available at http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/salem/route_713_bridge_over.asp.

Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.