US Bridges

Interstate 81 Sbl over Matson DR & Hooks Branch

Fair

Smyth County, Virginia · 10.18 FR 107; 0.20 to 16 · Structure no. 000000000020624

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
210 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,999
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 81 Sbl over Matson DR & Hooks Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Interstate 81 Sbl over Matson DR & Hooks Branch in Smyth County, Virginia. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1992, 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 210 ft (63.9 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesInterstate 81 Sbl
CrossesMatson DR & Hooks Branch
Location10.18 FR 107; 0.20 to 16
RouteInterstate 81
Coordinates36.82457, -81.51046
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 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
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length210 ft (63.9 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width49 ft (15 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 and waterway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$526.5 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Interstate 81 Sbl over Matson DR & Hooks Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Interstate 81 Sbl over Matson DR & Hooks 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Interstate 81 Sbl over Matson DR & Hooks Branch carry?

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

How long is Interstate 81 Sbl over Matson DR & Hooks Branch?

The structure is 210 ft (63.9 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 81 Sbl over Matson DR & Hooks Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.