US Bridges

I-81 Sbl over NS Railway Spur

Fair

Augusta County, Virginia · 0.48 to 612 & 7.17 to 256 · Structure no. 000000000001786

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
28,009
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 Sbl over NS Railway Spur is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-81 Sbl over NS Railway Spur in Augusta County, Virginia. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 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 28,009 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,521 by 2045. The structure is 180 ft (55 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-81 Sbl
CrossesNS Railway Spur
Location0.48 to 612 & 7.17 to 256
RouteInterstate 81
CountyAugusta County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.19981, -78.99509
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length180 ft (55 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,009 (2022)
Projected traffic36,521 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$435 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 Sbl over NS Railway Spur built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-81 Sbl over NS Railway Spur 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does I-81 Sbl over NS Railway Spur carry?

About 28,009 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-81 Sbl over NS Railway Spur?

The structure is 180 ft (55 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 Sbl over NS Railway Spur?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.