US Bridges

Interstate 81 -Sbl over RTE 638 Tattle Branch RD

Fair

Smyth County, Virginia · 1.31 FR 762; 2.56 to 11 · Structure no. 000000000017422

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
118 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,906
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 81 -Sbl over RTE 638 Tattle Branch RD is a concrete tee beam carrying Interstate 81 -Sbl over RTE 638 Tattle Branch RD in Smyth County, Virginia. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 63 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 14,906 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,188 by 2042. The structure is 118 ft (36 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesInterstate 81 -Sbl
CrossesRTE 638 Tattle Branch RD
Location1.31 FR 762; 2.56 to 11
RouteInterstate 81
CountySmyth County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.80747, -81.66332
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length118 ft (36 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,906 (2022)
Projected traffic17,188 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$526.5 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Interstate 81 -Sbl over RTE 638 Tattle Branch RD built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Interstate 81 -Sbl over RTE 638 Tattle Branch RD 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Interstate 81 -Sbl over RTE 638 Tattle Branch RD carry?

About 14,906 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 81 -Sbl over RTE 638 Tattle Branch RD?

The structure is 118 ft (36 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 81 -Sbl over RTE 638 Tattle Branch RD?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.