US Bridges

Loop a to I-81 Sbl over I-81/I-77

Fair

Wythe County, Virginia · 1.1MTO81&1.5MTOECLWVIL · Structure no. 000000000022377

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
235 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
481
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Loop a to I-81 Sbl over I-81/I-77 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Loop a to I-81 Sbl over I-81/I-77 in Wythe County, Virginia. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 481 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 536 by 2042. The structure is 235 ft (71.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesLoop a to I-81 Sbl
CrossesI-81/I-77
Location1.1MTO81&1.5MTOECLWVIL
RouteInterstate 81
CountyWythe County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.94884, -81.05354
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length235 ft (71.6 m)
Longest span131 ft (39.9 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic481 (2022)
Projected traffic536 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Loop a to I-81 Sbl over I-81/I-77 built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Loop a to I-81 Sbl over I-81/I-77 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Loop a to I-81 Sbl over I-81/I-77 carry?

About 481 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Loop a to I-81 Sbl over I-81/I-77?

The structure is 235 ft (71.6 m) long with a longest span of 131 ft (39.9 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Loop a to I-81 Sbl over I-81/I-77?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.