US Bridges

81 Nbl over Tinker Creek & NS Rwy

Fair

Botetourt County, Virginia · 2.32 Rke Co; 0.79 Rt 220 · Structure no. 000000000003228

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
332 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
29,404
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

81 Nbl over Tinker Creek & NS Rwy is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 81 Nbl over Tinker Creek & NS Rwy in Botetourt County, Virginia. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 62 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 29,404 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,785 by 2045. The structure is 332 ft (101.2 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Carries81 Nbl
CrossesTinker Creek & NS Rwy
Location2.32 Rke Co; 0.79 Rt 220
RouteInterstate 81
Coordinates37.37784, -79.90955
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 21 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length332 ft (101.2 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.2 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,404 (2022)
Projected traffic32,785 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$317.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was 81 Nbl over Tinker Creek & NS Rwy built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is 81 Nbl over Tinker Creek & NS Rwy 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does 81 Nbl over Tinker Creek & NS Rwy carry?

About 29,404 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is 81 Nbl over Tinker Creek & NS Rwy?

The structure is 332 ft (101.2 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.2 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns 81 Nbl over Tinker Creek & NS Rwy?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.