US Bridges

Fairfax Pike over I-81

Fair

Frederick County, Virginia · 0.17 to 11 - 0.19 to 647 · Structure no. 000000000008148

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
220 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,623
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fairfax Pike over I-81 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Fairfax Pike over I-81 in Frederick County, Virginia. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 62 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 8,623 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,615 by 2045. The structure is 220 ft (67.1 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesFairfax Pike
CrossesI-81
Location0.17 to 11 - 0.19 to 647
RouteState Highway 277
CountyFrederick County
StateVirginia
Coordinates39.08179, -78.21588
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating89 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length220 ft (67.1 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.7 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,623 (2022)
Projected traffic9,615 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$451 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Fairfax Pike over I-81 built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is Fairfax Pike over 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does Fairfax Pike over I-81 carry?

About 8,623 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Fairfax Pike over I-81?

The structure is 220 ft (67.1 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns Fairfax Pike over I-81?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.