US Bridges

I-85 (nbl) over Shining Creek

Fair

Brunswick County, Virginia · 2.39MECKLE CO 2.56 to 644 · Structure no. 000000000003609

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
12,256
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 (nbl) over Shining Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-85 (nbl) over Shining Creek in Brunswick County, Virginia. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 12,256 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,568 by 2042. The structure is 52 ft (15.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-85 (nbl)
CrossesShining Creek
Location2.39MECKLE CO 2.56 to 644
RouteInterstate 85
CountyBrunswick County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.79641, -77.99344
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (15.7 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,256 (2022)
Projected traffic14,568 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$890 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-85 (nbl) over Shining Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-85 (nbl) over Shining 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 I-85 (nbl) over Shining Creek carry?

About 12,256 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-85 (nbl) over Shining Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.7 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns I-85 (nbl) over Shining Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.