US Bridges

Port Republic Road over I-81

Fair

Harrisonburg city, Virginia · 0.50 RT11-0.12FOREST Hill · Structure no. 000000000020406

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
275 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
26,766
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Port Republic Road over I-81 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Port Republic Road over I-81 in Harrisonburg city, Virginia. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 65 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 26,766 vehicles a day, projected to reach 38,106 by 2042. The structure is 275 ft (83.8 m) long and 73 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPort Republic Road
CrossesI-81
Location0.50 RT11-0.12FOREST Hill
RouteState Highway 253
CountyHarrisonburg city
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.42971, -78.8756
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length275 ft (83.8 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width73 ft (22.3 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,766 (2022)
Projected traffic38,106 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Port Republic Road over I-81 built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Port Republic Road 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Port Republic Road over I-81 carry?

About 26,766 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Port Republic Road over I-81?

The structure is 275 ft (83.8 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 73 ft wide.

Who owns Port Republic Road over I-81?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.