US Bridges

Route 81 over Nbl&sbl over Stream

Fair

Smyth County, Virginia · 6.97 to R11; .08 to R683 · Structure no. 000000000017495

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
27,803
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 81 over Nbl&sbl over Stream is a concrete culvert carrying Route 81 over Nbl&sbl over Stream in Smyth County, Virginia. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 27,803 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,000 by 2045. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 81
CrossesNbl&sbl over Stream
Location6.97 to R11; .08 to R683
RouteInterstate 81
CountySmyth County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.88805, -81.37215
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 length29 ft (8.8 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 traffic27,803 (2022)
Projected traffic31,000 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$78 million (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 81 over Nbl&sbl over Stream built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 81 over Nbl&sbl over Stream 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Route 81 over Nbl&sbl over Stream carry?

About 27,803 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Route 81 over Nbl&sbl over Stream?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns Route 81 over Nbl&sbl over Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.