Interstate 81 Sbl over M. Fork Holston River
PoorSmyth County, Virginia · 0.69 FR Wcl - .50 to 762 · Structure no. 000000000017426
- Built
- 1962
- 63 years old, rebuilt 1985
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected February 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 239 ft
- 4 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 15,197
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
Interstate 81 Sbl over M. Fork Holston River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Interstate 81 Sbl over M. Fork Holston River in Smyth County, Virginia. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1985, 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
It carries about 15,197 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,945 by 2042. The structure is 239 ft (72.7 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Interstate 81 Sbl over M. Fork Holston River built?
It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.
What condition is Interstate 81 Sbl over M. Fork Holston River in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.
How much traffic does Interstate 81 Sbl over M. Fork Holston River carry?
About 15,197 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.
How long is Interstate 81 Sbl over M. Fork Holston River?
The structure is 239 ft (72.7 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18.1 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.
Who owns Interstate 81 Sbl over M. Fork Holston River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.