US Bridges

High Bridge Ch RD over RTE I 81

Fair

Rockbridge County, Virginia · 0.77 to 610-0.03 to F055 · Structure no. 000000000015623

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
272 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
196
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

High Bridge Ch RD over RTE I 81 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying High Bridge Ch RD over RTE I 81 in Rockbridge County, Virginia. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 196 vehicles a day, projected to reach 223 by 2042. The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHigh Bridge Ch RD
CrossesRTE I 81
Location0.77 to 610-0.03 to F055
RouteCounty Highway 693
CountyRockbridge County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.6251, -79.58395
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMarch 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 rating52 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length272 ft (82.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.4 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic196 (2017)
Projected traffic223 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$150 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was High Bridge Ch RD over RTE I 81 built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is High Bridge Ch RD 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does High Bridge Ch RD over RTE I 81 carry?

About 196 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is High Bridge Ch RD over RTE I 81?

The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.4 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns High Bridge Ch RD over RTE I 81?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.