US Bridges

Interstate 81 over Stream

Fair

Smyth County, Virginia · .05 to R107 & 3.8 to R11 · Structure no. 000000000017499

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,839
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 81 over Stream is a concrete culvert carrying Interstate 81 over Stream 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 1,839 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,050 by 2045. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesInterstate 81
CrossesStream
Location.05 to R107 & 3.8 to R11
RouteInterstate 81
Coordinates36.79546, -81.68026
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 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 traffic1,839 (2022)
Projected traffic2,050 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Interstate 81 over Stream built?

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

What condition is Interstate 81 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Interstate 81 over Stream carry?

About 1,839 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Interstate 81 over Stream?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Interstate 81 over Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.