US Bridges

I-81 over Gordons Run

Fair

Rockbridge County, Virginia · 1.32 to 60 & 1.05 to 64 · Structure no. 000000000015327

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
40,307
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 over Gordons Run is a concrete culvert carrying I-81 over Gordons Run 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 40,307 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 44,942 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesI-81
CrossesGordons Run
Location1.32 to 60 & 1.05 to 64
RouteInterstate 81
CountyRockbridge County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.77441, -79.40124
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40,307 (2022)
Projected traffic44,942 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$85 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 over Gordons Run built?

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

What condition is I-81 over Gordons Run 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does I-81 over Gordons Run carry?

About 40,307 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-81 over Gordons Run?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns I-81 over Gordons Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.