US Bridges

I-81 Sbl over SR-16 (commerce St)

Fair

Smyth County, Virginia · 1.73FREX.44;2.07MFRRT11 Y · Structure no. 000000000020616

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
179 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
16,999
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 Sbl over SR-16 (commerce St) is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-81 Sbl over SR-16 (commerce St) 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 16,999 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,954 by 2045. The structure is 179 ft (54.6 m) long and 44 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-81 Sbl
CrossesSR-16 (commerce St)
Location1.73FREX.44;2.07MFRRT11 Y
RouteInterstate 81
CountySmyth County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.82656, -81.50707
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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 rating57 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length179 ft (54.6 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,999 (2022)
Projected traffic18,954 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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$799.5 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 Sbl over SR-16 (commerce St) built?

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

What condition is I-81 Sbl over SR-16 (commerce St) 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does I-81 Sbl over SR-16 (commerce St) carry?

About 16,999 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-81 Sbl over SR-16 (commerce St)?

The structure is 179 ft (54.6 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 Sbl over SR-16 (commerce St)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.