US Bridges

SR 0081 I-81 over Mill Creek

Fair

Luzerne County, Pennsylvania · Plains Twp .3 M N SR 2020 · Structure no. 000000000023748

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
62,756
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 0081 I-81 over Mill Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 0081 I-81 over Mill Creek in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 62,756 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 73,039 by 2032. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 0081 I-81
CrossesMill Creek
LocationPlains Twp .3 M N SR 2020
RouteInterstate 81
CountyLuzerne County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates41.26584, -75.81092
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating94 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic62,756 (2024)
Projected traffic73,039 by 2032
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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$932,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 0081 I-81 over Mill Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 0081 I-81 over Mill Creek 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SR 0081 I-81 over Mill Creek carry?

About 62,756 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is SR 0081 I-81 over Mill Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m).

Who owns SR 0081 I-81 over Mill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.