US Bridges

I-81 Nbl over Pughs Run

Fair

Shenandoah County, Virginia · 3.24 to 42 - 4.90 to 651 · Structure no. 000000000017025

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
135 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
23,066
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 Nbl over Pughs Run is a concrete tee beam carrying I-81 Nbl over Pughs Run 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 23,066 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,046 by 2045. The structure is 135 ft (41.1 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 Nbl
CrossesPughs Run
Location3.24 to 42 - 4.90 to 651
RouteInterstate 81
CountyShenandoah County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.91177, -78.49656
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionJanuary 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating58 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length135 ft (41.1 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,066 (2022)
Projected traffic31,046 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$82 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 Nbl over Pughs Run built?

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

What condition is I-81 Nbl over Pughs 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does I-81 Nbl over Pughs Run carry?

About 23,066 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-81 Nbl over Pughs Run?

The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 Nbl over Pughs Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.