US Bridges

N&sbl Route 0081 over Laurel Spring Branch

Fair

Smyth County, Virginia · 3.28 to R11;.87 to R11SPR · Structure no. 000000000017469

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
33,381
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N&sbl Route 0081 over Laurel Spring Branch is a concrete culvert carrying N&sbl Route 0081 over Laurel Spring Branch in Smyth County, Virginia. It was built in 1963, 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 33,381 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,220 by 2045. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesN&sbl Route 0081
CrossesLaurel Spring Branch
Location3.28 to R11;.87 to R11SPR
RouteInterstate 81
CountySmyth County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.81313, -81.56208
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,381 (2022)
Projected traffic37,220 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$65 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was N&sbl Route 0081 over Laurel Spring Branch built?

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

What condition is N&sbl Route 0081 over Laurel Spring Branch 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 2025.

How much traffic does N&sbl Route 0081 over Laurel Spring Branch carry?

About 33,381 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is N&sbl Route 0081 over Laurel Spring Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns N&sbl Route 0081 over Laurel Spring Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.