US Bridges

I-81 over US-11/19 (lee Highway)

Fair

Washington County, Virginia · 1.23 FR 381-1.91 to R 658 · Structure no. 000000000025454

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
309 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
27,991
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 over US-11/19 (lee Highway) is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-81 over US-11/19 (lee Highway) in Washington County, Virginia. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 years old, younger 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 27,991 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 33,433 by 2045. The structure is 309 ft (94.2 m) long and 117 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesI-81
CrossesUS-11/19 (lee Highway)
Location1.23 FR 381-1.91 to R 658
RouteInterstate 81
CountyWashington County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.6263, -82.155
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.9 US tons
Inventory rating69 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length309 ft (94.2 m)
Longest span167 ft (50.9 m)
Deck width117 ft (35.8 m)
Roadway width59 ft (17.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,991 (2022)
Projected traffic33,433 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 over US-11/19 (lee Highway) built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-81 over US-11/19 (lee Highway) 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 over US-11/19 (lee Highway) carry?

About 27,991 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-81 over US-11/19 (lee Highway)?

The structure is 309 ft (94.2 m) long with a longest span of 167 ft (50.9 m) and a deck 117 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 over US-11/19 (lee Highway)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.