US Bridges

81 Sbl over James River

Fair

Botetourt County, Virginia · 2.93 Rt 11; 2.65 Rt 11 · Structure no. 000000000003204

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
543 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
19,785
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

81 Sbl over James River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 81 Sbl over James River in Botetourt County, Virginia. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 19,785 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,263 by 2045. The structure is 543 ft (165.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries81 Sbl
CrossesJames River
Location2.93 Rt 11; 2.65 Rt 11
RouteInterstate 81
CountyBotetourt County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.52429, -79.7078
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71 US tons
Inventory rating55 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length543 ft (165.5 m)
Longest span123 ft (37.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,785 (2022)
Projected traffic24,263 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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$445 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 81 Sbl over James River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is 81 Sbl over James 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does 81 Sbl over James River carry?

About 19,785 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is 81 Sbl over James River?

The structure is 543 ft (165.5 m) long with a longest span of 123 ft (37.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns 81 Sbl over James River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.