US Bridges

I-81 Nbl over Reed Creek

Fair

Wythe County, Virginia · .39M to 11 & 2.90M to 52 · Structure no. 000000000019620

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
560 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
14,628
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 Nbl over Reed Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-81 Nbl over Reed Creek in Wythe County, Virginia. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 61 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 14,628 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,310 by 2042. The structure is 560 ft (170.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-81 Nbl
CrossesReed Creek
Location.39M to 11 & 2.90M to 52
RouteInterstate 81
CountyWythe County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.94411, -81.14792
Functional classRural 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length560 ft (170.6 m)
Longest span138 ft (42.1 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,628 (2022)
Projected traffic16,310 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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$422.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 Nbl over Reed Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is I-81 Nbl over Reed Creek 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does I-81 Nbl over Reed Creek carry?

About 14,628 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-81 Nbl over Reed Creek?

The structure is 560 ft (170.6 m) long with a longest span of 138 ft (42.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 Nbl over Reed Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.