US Bridges

Papermill RD over I-81

Fair

Frederick County, Virginia · 0.07 Winch Scl - 0.35 717 · Structure no. 000000000008239

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
288 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,911
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Papermill RD over I-81 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Papermill RD over I-81 in Frederick County, Virginia. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1996, 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 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 8,911 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,875 by 2042. The structure is 288 ft (87.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPapermill RD
CrossesI-81
Location0.07 Winch Scl - 0.35 717
RouteCounty Highway 644
CountyFrederick County
StateVirginia
Coordinates39.14127, -78.1729
Functional classUrban Collector

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 inspectionOctober 2024
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 rating65 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length288 ft (87.8 m)
Longest span86 ft (26.2 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,911 (2022)
Projected traffic11,875 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$131 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Papermill RD over I-81 built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is Papermill RD 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Papermill RD over I-81 carry?

About 8,911 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Papermill RD over I-81?

The structure is 288 ft (87.8 m) long with a longest span of 86 ft (26.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Papermill RD over I-81?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.