US Bridges

Daugherty RD/RT643 over RTE 81

Poor

Roanoke County, Virginia · 0.30-RT11; 0.01-RT828 · Structure no. 000000000015049

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
244 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,394
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Daugherty RD/RT643 over RTE 81 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Daugherty RD/RT643 over RTE 81 in Roanoke County, Virginia. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 63 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 3,394 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,023 by 2042. The structure is 244 ft (74.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDaugherty RD/RT643
CrossesRTE 81
Location0.30-RT11; 0.01-RT828
RouteCounty Highway 643
CountyRoanoke County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.27996, -80.13191
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length244 ft (74.4 m)
Longest span79 ft (24.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,394 (2021)
Projected traffic5,023 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$162.5 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Daugherty RD/RT643 over RTE 81 built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is Daugherty RD/RT643 over RTE 81 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does Daugherty RD/RT643 over RTE 81 carry?

About 3,394 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Daugherty RD/RT643 over RTE 81?

The structure is 244 ft (74.4 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Daugherty RD/RT643 over RTE 81?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.