US Bridges

I81 over Lick Creek

Fair

Greene County, Tennessee · 5.49M.FROM Washington C.L · Structure no. 30I00810061

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
52 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
37,804
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I81 over Lick Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I81 over Lick 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 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 37,804 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,064 by 2040. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 400 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI81
CrossesLick Creek
Location5.49M.FROM Washington C.L
RouteInterstate 81
CountyGreene County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.35507, -82.72307
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width400 ft (121.9 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic37,804 (2021)
Projected traffic50,064 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$965,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I81 over Lick Creek built?

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

What condition is I81 over Lick 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 Lick Creek carry?

About 37,804 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I81 over Lick Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 400 ft wide.

Who owns I81 over Lick Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.