US Bridges

I-81 Sbl over US 21/52 (n 4th St)

Fair

Wythe County, Virginia · 1.77M to 656&2.03M to 77 · Structure no. 000000000022366

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
265 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
14,382
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 Sbl over US 21/52 (n 4th St) is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-81 Sbl over US 21/52 (n 4th St) in Wythe County, Virginia. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1990, 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 2042. The structure is 265 ft (80.9 m) long and 35 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-81 Sbl
CrossesUS 21/52 (n 4th St)
Location1.77M to 656&2.03M to 77
RouteInterstate 81
CountyWythe County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.96009, -81.09989
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating61 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length265 ft (80.9 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 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 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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$224.9 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 Sbl over US 21/52 (n 4th St) built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is I-81 Sbl over US 21/52 (n 4th St) 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 I-81 Sbl over US 21/52 (n 4th St) carry?

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

How long is I-81 Sbl over US 21/52 (n 4th St)?

The structure is 265 ft (80.9 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 Sbl over US 21/52 (n 4th St)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.