US Bridges

I-81 NB over Blytheburn Road

Fair

Luzerne County, Pennsylvania · Rice Twp 1 M S SR 2042 · Structure no. 000000000023720

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
100 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,167
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 NB over Blytheburn Road is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying I-81 NB over Blytheburn Road in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 61 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 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 19,167 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,064 by 2032. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-81 NB
CrossesBlytheburn Road
LocationRice Twp 1 M S SR 2042
RouteInterstate 81
CountyLuzerne County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates41.13364, -75.96233
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,167 (2024)
Projected traffic30,064 by 2032
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$545,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 NB over Blytheburn Road built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is I-81 NB over Blytheburn Road 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does I-81 NB over Blytheburn Road carry?

About 19,167 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is I-81 NB over Blytheburn Road?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 NB over Blytheburn Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.