US Bridges

I-81 over Branch of Mill Creek

Fair

Botetourt County, Virginia · 0.35-RTE640; 5.52-RT 11 · Structure no. 000000000003259

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
41,034
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 over Branch of Mill Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-81 over Branch of Mill Creek in Botetourt County, Virginia. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 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 41,034 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,753 by 2045. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-81
CrossesBranch of Mill Creek
Location0.35-RTE640; 5.52-RT 11
RouteInterstate 81
CountyBotetourt County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.45913, -79.83319
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic41,034 (2022)
Projected traffic45,753 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$247.5 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 over Branch of Mill Creek built?

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

What condition is I-81 over Branch of 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does I-81 over Branch of Mill Creek carry?

About 41,034 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-81 over Branch of Mill Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.6 m).

Who owns I-81 over Branch of Mill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.