US Bridges

Loop B & Ramp B 81 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Botetourt County, Virginia · 0.10-SBL 81; 0.20-SBL 220 · Structure no. 000000000003272

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,590
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Loop B & Ramp B 81 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Loop B & Ramp B 81 over Buffalo Creek in Botetourt County, Virginia. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 3,590 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5,241 by 2042. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLoop B & Ramp B 81
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.10-SBL 81; 0.20-SBL 220
RouteInterstate 81
CountyBotetourt County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.38638, -79.90757
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,590 (2022)
Projected traffic5,241 by 2042
Trucks0%
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$138.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Loop B & Ramp B 81 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Loop B & Ramp B 81 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Loop B & Ramp B 81 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 3,590 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Loop B & Ramp B 81 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns Loop B & Ramp B 81 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.