US Bridges

Sbl RTE I-81 over Branch of Claytor Lake

Fair

Pulaski County, Virginia · 1.01-RTE660; 2.79-MONT CO · Structure no. 000000000014503

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
22,420
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sbl RTE I-81 over Branch of Claytor Lake is a concrete culvert carrying Sbl RTE I-81 over Branch of Claytor Lake in Pulaski County, Virginia. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 22,420 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,128 by 2045. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSbl RTE I-81
CrossesBranch of Claytor Lake
Location1.01-RTE660; 2.79-MONT CO
RouteInterstate 81
CountyPulaski County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.08859, -80.63253
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,420 (2022)
Projected traffic27,128 by 2045
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$116.9 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sbl RTE I-81 over Branch of Claytor Lake built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sbl RTE I-81 over Branch of Claytor Lake 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Sbl RTE I-81 over Branch of Claytor Lake carry?

About 22,420 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Sbl RTE I-81 over Branch of Claytor Lake?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.6 m).

Who owns Sbl RTE I-81 over Branch of Claytor Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.