US Bridges

East Midland Trail over RTE I 81

Fair

Rockbridge County, Virginia · 0.60 to 879 & 0.40 to 819 · Structure no. 000000000015227

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
277 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,120
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

East Midland Trail over RTE I 81 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying East Midland Trail over RTE I 81 in Rockbridge County, Virginia. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 7,120 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,395 by 2042. The structure is 277 ft (84.3 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesEast Midland Trail
CrossesRTE I 81
Location0.60 to 879 & 0.40 to 819
RouteU.S. Route 60
CountyRockbridge County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.75686, -79.41021
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length277 ft (84.3 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,120 (2022)
Projected traffic10,395 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$145 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was East Midland Trail over RTE I 81 built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is East Midland Trail over RTE 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does East Midland Trail over RTE I 81 carry?

About 7,120 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is East Midland Trail over RTE I 81?

The structure is 277 ft (84.3 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns East Midland Trail over RTE I 81?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.