US Bridges

Route I-81 over Br Roanoke River

Fair

Roanoke County, Virginia · 1.64-RTE112; 1.30-RTE311 · Structure no. 000000000014912

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
59,457
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route I-81 over Br Roanoke River is a concrete culvert carrying Route I-81 over Br Roanoke River in Roanoke County, Virginia. It was built in 1964, 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 59,457 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 66,295 by 2045. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesRoute I-81
CrossesBr Roanoke River
Location1.64-RTE112; 1.30-RTE311
RouteInterstate 81
CountyRoanoke County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.304, -80.07344
Functional classUrban 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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic59,457 (2022)
Projected traffic66,295 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$114.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route I-81 over Br Roanoke River built?

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

What condition is Route I-81 over Br Roanoke 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Route I-81 over Br Roanoke River carry?

About 59,457 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Route I-81 over Br Roanoke River?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns Route I-81 over Br Roanoke River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.