US Bridges

Is 81 NB over Norfolk Southern RR

Fair

Washington County, Maryland · 0.57 Mile North of Md 58 · Structure no. 100000210056011

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
174 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
63,000
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Is 81 NB over Norfolk Southern RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Is 81 NB over Norfolk Southern RR in Washington County, Maryland. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 67 years old, older than the Maryland average of 52.6 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 63,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,536 by 2026. The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIs 81 NB
CrossesNorfolk Southern RR
Location0.57 Mile North of Md 58
RouteInterstate 81
CountyWashington County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.67029, -77.73534
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating71.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length174 ft (53 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic63,000 (2009)
Projected traffic37,536 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$530,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Is 81 NB over Norfolk Southern RR built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Is 81 NB over Norfolk Southern RR 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Is 81 NB over Norfolk Southern RR carry?

About 63,000 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Is 81 NB over Norfolk Southern RR?

The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns Is 81 NB over Norfolk Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.