US Bridges

Interstate 81 Sbl over Ramp a & FR-7

Fair

Smyth County, Virginia · 8.0 FR 107; 2.44 to 16 · Structure no. 000000000017434

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
190 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
16,263
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 81 Sbl over Ramp a & FR-7 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Interstate 81 Sbl over Ramp a & FR-7 in Smyth County, Virginia. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1992, 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 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 16,263 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,133 by 2045. The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long and 44 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesInterstate 81 Sbl
CrossesRamp a & FR-7
Location8.0 FR 107; 2.44 to 16
RouteInterstate 81
CountySmyth County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.81967, -81.5488
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length190 ft (57.9 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,263 (2022)
Projected traffic18,133 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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$734.5 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Interstate 81 Sbl over Ramp a & FR-7 built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Interstate 81 Sbl over Ramp a & FR-7 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Interstate 81 Sbl over Ramp a & FR-7 carry?

About 16,263 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 81 Sbl over Ramp a & FR-7?

The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 81 Sbl over Ramp a & FR-7?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.