US Bridges

I 15 over Virgin River

Fair

Mohave County, Arizona · 14.3 MI E of Nevada · Structure no. 01616

Built
1973
52 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
270 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
32,011
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 15 over Virgin River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 15 over Virgin River in Mohave County, Arizona. It was built in 1973 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 52 years old, older than the Arizona average of 47.8 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 32,011 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,021 by 2042. The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 15
CrossesVirgin River
Location14.3 MI E of Nevada
RouteInterstate 15
CountyMohave County
StateArizona
Coordinates36.9151, -113.8418
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length270 ft (82.3 m)
Longest span132 ft (40.2 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.2 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,011 (2022)
Projected traffic32,021 by 2042
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 15 over Virgin River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is I 15 over Virgin 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does I 15 over Virgin River carry?

About 32,011 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is I 15 over Virgin River?

The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long with a longest span of 132 ft (40.2 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns I 15 over Virgin River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.