US Bridges

I-81 Nbl over Va Creeper Hiking Trail

Fair

Washington County, Virginia · 0.89 Fr. 75; 1.63 to 11. · Structure no. 000000000022400

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
215 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
25,393
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 Nbl over Va Creeper Hiking Trail is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-81 Nbl over Va Creeper Hiking Trail in Washington County, Virginia. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 64 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 25,393 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,315 by 2042. The structure is 215 ft (65.4 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-81 Nbl
CrossesVa Creeper Hiking Trail
Location0.89 Fr. 75; 1.63 to 11.
RouteInterstate 81
CountyWashington County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.70148, -81.95968
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.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length215 ft (65.4 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,393 (2022)
Projected traffic27,315 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesPedestrian / bicycle
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$263.9 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 Nbl over Va Creeper Hiking Trail built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is I-81 Nbl over Va Creeper Hiking Trail 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 2024.

How much traffic does I-81 Nbl over Va Creeper Hiking Trail carry?

About 25,393 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-81 Nbl over Va Creeper Hiking Trail?

The structure is 215 ft (65.4 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 Nbl over Va Creeper Hiking Trail?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.