US Bridges

I-81 Sbl over Blacks Run

Fair

Rockingham County, Virginia · 1.17 to 11 - 1.45 to 253 · Structure no. 000000000020448

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
132 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
28,820
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 Sbl over Blacks Run is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-81 Sbl over Blacks Run in Rockingham County, Virginia. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 28,820 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 38,698 by 2045. The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-81 Sbl
CrossesBlacks Run
Location1.17 to 11 - 1.45 to 253
RouteInterstate 81
CountyRockingham County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.41268, -78.89109
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length132 ft (40.2 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,820 (2022)
Projected traffic38,698 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$40 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 Sbl over Blacks Run built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-81 Sbl over Blacks 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does I-81 Sbl over Blacks Run carry?

About 28,820 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-81 Sbl over Blacks Run?

The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 Sbl over Blacks Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.