US Bridges

Sunset Ave. 651 over RTE I 81

Fair

Botetourt County, Virginia · 0.43 Rt 11; 0.52 Dead End · Structure no. 000000000003450

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
233 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
264
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sunset Ave. 651 over RTE I 81 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sunset Ave. 651 over RTE I 81 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 264 vehicles a day, projected to reach 302 by 2042. The structure is 233 ft (71 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSunset Ave. 651
CrossesRTE I 81
Location0.43 Rt 11; 0.52 Dead End
RouteCounty Highway 651
CountyBotetourt County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.42028, -79.88293
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length233 ft (71 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic264 (2016)
Projected traffic302 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$931.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Sunset Ave. 651 over RTE I 81 built?

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

What condition is Sunset Ave. 651 over RTE I 81 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Sunset Ave. 651 over RTE I 81 carry?

About 264 vehicles per day (2016 count).

How long is Sunset Ave. 651 over RTE I 81?

The structure is 233 ft (71 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Sunset Ave. 651 over RTE I 81?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.