US Bridges

I-81 Sbl over Cedar Creek

Fair

Shenandoah County, Virginia · 0.00 Shen - 0.00 Warren · Structure no. 000000000018747

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
385 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
29,439
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 Sbl over Cedar Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-81 Sbl over Cedar Creek 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 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 29,439 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 42,981 by 2045. The structure is 385 ft (117.3 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-81 Sbl
CrossesCedar Creek
Location0.00 Shen - 0.00 Warren
RouteInterstate 81
CountyShenandoah County
StateVirginia
Coordinates39.00419, -78.3223
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating88 US tons
Inventory rating58 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length385 ft (117.3 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,439 (2022)
Projected traffic42,981 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$383 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 Sbl over Cedar Creek built?

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

What condition is I-81 Sbl over Cedar Creek 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 Sbl over Cedar Creek carry?

About 29,439 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-81 Sbl over Cedar Creek?

The structure is 385 ft (117.3 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 Sbl over Cedar Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.