US Bridges

I-81 NB over Potomac River

Good

Berkeley County, West Virginia · On Wv/Md State Line · Structure no. 00000000002A157

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,184 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
61,300
2011 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 NB over Potomac River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-81 NB over Potomac River in Berkeley County, West Virginia. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 60 years old, older than the West Virginia average of 44.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 61,300 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 84,375 by 2031. The structure is 1,184 ft (360.9 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-81 NB
CrossesPotomac River
LocationOn Wv/Md State Line
RouteInterstate 81
CountyBerkeley County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.58443, -77.83138
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,184 ft (360.9 m)
Longest span190 ft (57.9 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.9 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic61,300 (2011)
Projected traffic84,375 by 2031
Trucks32%
Lanes on structure3
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$2.7 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 NB over Potomac River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is I-81 NB over Potomac River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does I-81 NB over Potomac River carry?

About 61,300 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is I-81 NB over Potomac River?

The structure is 1,184 ft (360.9 m) long with a longest span of 190 ft (57.9 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 NB over Potomac River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.