US Bridges

I-81 Nbl Off Ramp over Dry Creek

Fair

Smyth County, Virginia · .08 to R683 & 6.97 11SPUR · Structure no. 000000000017497

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
711
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 Nbl Off Ramp over Dry Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-81 Nbl Off Ramp over Dry Creek 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 711 vehicles a day, projected to reach 793 by 2045. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-81 Nbl Off Ramp
CrossesDry Creek
Location.08 to R683 & 6.97 11SPUR
RouteInterstate 81
CountySmyth County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.88749, -81.37232
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 inspectionOctober 2023
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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic711 (2022)
Projected traffic793 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 Nbl Off Ramp over Dry Creek built?

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

What condition is I-81 Nbl Off Ramp over Dry Creek 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does I-81 Nbl Off Ramp over Dry Creek carry?

About 711 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is I-81 Nbl Off Ramp over Dry Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I-81 Nbl Off Ramp over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.