US Bridges

I-81 Sbl over North River

Fair

Rockingham County, Virginia · 2.24 Aug CO - 0.88 Rt 257 · Structure no. 000000000015826

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
440 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
28,341
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 Sbl over North River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-81 Sbl over North River in Rockingham 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 6 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 28,341 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,566 by 2045. The structure is 440 ft (134.1 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-81 Sbl
CrossesNorth River
Location2.24 Aug CO - 0.88 Rt 257
RouteInterstate 81
CountyRockingham County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.34484, -78.93381
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length440 ft (134.1 m)
Longest span124 ft (37.8 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,341 (2022)
Projected traffic36,566 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$937 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 Sbl over North River built?

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

What condition is I-81 Sbl over North 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does I-81 Sbl over North River carry?

About 28,341 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-81 Sbl over North River?

The structure is 440 ft (134.1 m) long with a longest span of 124 ft (37.8 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 Sbl over North River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.