US Bridges

81 N & Sbl over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Botetourt County, Virginia · 0.11-RTE220; 6.00-RTE640 · Structure no. 000000000003266

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
58,719
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

81 N & Sbl over Buffalo Creek is a concrete culvert carrying 81 N & Sbl over Buffalo Creek in Botetourt County, Virginia. It was built in 1963, 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 58,719 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 65,472 by 2042. The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries81 N & Sbl
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.11-RTE220; 6.00-RTE640
RouteInterstate 81
CountyBotetourt County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.38976, -79.90386
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable 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 length36 ft (10.9 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic58,719 (2022)
Projected traffic65,472 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure6
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$537.9 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 81 N & Sbl over Buffalo Creek built?

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

What condition is 81 N & Sbl over Buffalo 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does 81 N & Sbl over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 58,719 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is 81 N & Sbl over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns 81 N & Sbl over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.