US Bridges

Wardensville Pike over I-81

Fair

Shenandoah County, Virginia · 0.40 to 637 - 0.12 to 633 · Structure no. 000000000016992

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
393 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,489
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wardensville Pike over I-81 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wardensville Pike over I-81 in Shenandoah County, Virginia. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 5,489 vehicles a day, projected to reach 6,120 by 2045. The structure is 393 ft (119.8 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWardensville Pike
CrossesI-81
Location0.40 to 637 - 0.12 to 633
RouteState Highway 55
CountyShenandoah County
StateVirginia
Coordinates39.01244, -78.36343
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
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 inspectionMay 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.1 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length393 ft (119.8 m)
Longest span99 ft (30.2 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,489 (2022)
Projected traffic6,120 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$121 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Wardensville Pike over I-81 built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wardensville Pike over 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Wardensville Pike over I-81 carry?

About 5,489 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Wardensville Pike over I-81?

The structure is 393 ft (119.8 m) long with a longest span of 99 ft (30.2 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Wardensville Pike over I-81?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.