US Bridges

I-81 Sbl over Reed Creek

Fair

Wythe County, Virginia · .39M to 11 & 2.9M to 52 · Structure no. 000000000019621

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
550 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
14,382
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 Sbl over Reed Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-81 Sbl 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 14,382 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,036 by 2045. The structure is 550 ft (167.7 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-81 Sbl
CrossesReed Creek
Location.39M to 11 & 2.9M to 52
RouteInterstate 81
CountyWythe County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.94422, -81.14809
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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 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 rating77.1 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length550 ft (167.7 m)
Longest span140 ft (42.7 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,382 (2022)
Projected traffic16,036 by 2045
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$414.7 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 Sbl 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 Sbl 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 2023.

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

About 14,382 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-81 Sbl over Reed Creek?

The structure is 550 ft (167.7 m) long with a longest span of 140 ft (42.7 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 Sbl over Reed Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.