US Bridges

Gate City Highway over I-81

Fair

Washington County, Virginia · 6.74FR.SCOTT CO;1.09T0 11 · Structure no. 000000000026386

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
373 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
9,211
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Gate City Highway over I-81 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Gate City Highway over I-81 in Washington County, Virginia. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 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 9,211 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10,270 by 2042. The structure is 373 ft (113.7 m) long and 101 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGate City Highway
CrossesI-81
Location6.74FR.SCOTT CO;1.09T0 11
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyWashington County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.60254, -82.22902
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.1 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length373 ft (113.7 m)
Longest span187 ft (57 m)
Deck width101 ft (30.7 m)
Roadway width99 ft (30.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,211 (2022)
Projected traffic10,270 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Gate City Highway over I-81 built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is Gate City Highway over I-81 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Gate City Highway over I-81 carry?

About 9,211 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Gate City Highway over I-81?

The structure is 373 ft (113.7 m) long with a longest span of 187 ft (57 m) and a deck 101 ft wide.

Who owns Gate City Highway over I-81?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.