US Bridges

81NRMPSTO/FROMRT11 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Botetourt County, Virginia · 0.15-RTE81NBL; 0.15-RTE11 · Structure no. 000000000003273

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,543
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

81NRMPSTO/FROMRT11 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete culvert carrying 81NRMPSTO/FROMRT11 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 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 4,543 vehicles a day, projected to reach 6,633 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries81NRMPSTO/FROMRT11
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.15-RTE81NBL; 0.15-RTE11
RouteInterstate 81
CountyBotetourt County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.39116, -79.90215
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length24 ft (7.2 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,543 (2022)
Projected traffic6,633 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure3
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$599 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 81NRMPSTO/FROMRT11 over Buffalo Creek built?

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

What condition is 81NRMPSTO/FROMRT11 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does 81NRMPSTO/FROMRT11 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 4,543 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 81NRMPSTO/FROMRT11 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns 81NRMPSTO/FROMRT11 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.