US Bridges

I-85 Sbl over Meherrin River

Fair

Brunswick County, Virginia · .56 FR Meckl 4.47 to 644 · Structure no. 000000000003623

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
410 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
12,043
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 Sbl over Meherrin River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-85 Sbl over Meherrin River 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 12,043 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,458 by 2042. The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-85 Sbl
CrossesMeherrin River
Location.56 FR Meckl 4.47 to 644
RouteInterstate 85
CountyBrunswick County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.77966, -78.02012
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating75.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length410 ft (125 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,043 (2022)
Projected traffic13,458 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
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$198 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-85 Sbl over Meherrin River built?

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

What condition is I-85 Sbl over Meherrin River 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 Sbl over Meherrin River carry?

About 12,043 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-85 Sbl over Meherrin River?

The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns I-85 Sbl over Meherrin River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.