US Bridges

I81 over Potter Creek

Fair

Greene County, Tennessee · 2.18MI from Hamblen CO LN · Structure no. 30I00810004

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
44,318
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I81 over Potter Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I81 over Potter Creek in Greene County, Tennessee. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 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 44,318 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 70,909 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 194 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI81
CrossesPotter Creek
Location2.18MI from Hamblen CO LN
RouteInterstate 81
CountyGreene County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.20548, -83.09487
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width194 ft (59 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44,318 (2021)
Projected traffic70,909 by 2042
Trucks6%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I81 over Potter Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is I81 over Potter 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does I81 over Potter Creek carry?

About 44,318 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I81 over Potter Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 194 ft wide.

Who owns I81 over Potter Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.