US Bridges

I-81 Sbl over Norfolk Southern Rwy

Fair

Shenandoah County, Virginia · 2.06 FR 292 - 2.42 to 730 · Structure no. 000000000017016

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
246 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
23,785
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 Sbl over Norfolk Southern Rwy is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-81 Sbl over Norfolk Southern Rwy in Shenandoah 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 23,785 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,583 by 2042. The structure is 246 ft (75 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
CrossesNorfolk Southern Rwy
Location2.06 FR 292 - 2.42 to 730
RouteInterstate 81
CountyShenandoah County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.73638, -78.65103
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating55 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length246 ft (75 m)
Longest span82 ft (24.9 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,785 (2022)
Projected traffic29,583 by 2042
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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$240 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 Sbl over Norfolk Southern Rwy built?

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

What condition is I-81 Sbl over Norfolk Southern Rwy 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 2024.

How much traffic does I-81 Sbl over Norfolk Southern Rwy carry?

About 23,785 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is I-81 Sbl over Norfolk Southern Rwy?

The structure is 246 ft (75 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (24.9 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 Sbl over Norfolk Southern Rwy?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.