US Bridges

Interstate 81 Sbl over Route 690

Fair

Smyth County, Virginia · 1.77 to R11 &4.28 to R683 · Structure no. 000000000017440

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
153 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,518
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 81 Sbl over Route 690 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Interstate 81 Sbl over Route 690 in Smyth County, Virginia. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1987, 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 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 14,518 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,575 by 2042. The structure is 153 ft (46.7 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesInterstate 81 Sbl
CrossesRoute 690
Location1.77 to R11 &4.28 to R683
RouteInterstate 81
CountySmyth County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.85871, -81.45604
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 rating42 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length153 ft (46.7 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,518 (2022)
Projected traffic14,575 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$188.5 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Interstate 81 Sbl over Route 690 built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Interstate 81 Sbl over Route 690 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Interstate 81 Sbl over Route 690 carry?

About 14,518 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 81 Sbl over Route 690?

The structure is 153 ft (46.7 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 81 Sbl over Route 690?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.