US Bridges

Lee Highway over Interstate 81

Fair

Smyth County, Virginia · I-81 Exit 39 · Structure no. 000000000017386

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
213 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,374
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lee Highway over Interstate 81 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Lee Highway over Interstate 81 in Smyth County, Virginia. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2009, so it is 62 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 6,374 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7,107 by 2045. The structure is 213 ft (64.9 m) long and 32 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesLee Highway
CrossesInterstate 81
LocationI-81 Exit 39
RouteU.S. Route 11
CountySmyth County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.80798, -81.61832
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length213 ft (64.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,374 (2022)
Projected traffic7,107 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Lee Highway over Interstate 81 built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is Lee Highway over Interstate 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Lee Highway over Interstate 81 carry?

About 6,374 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Lee Highway over Interstate 81?

The structure is 213 ft (64.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Lee Highway over Interstate 81?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.