US Bridges

I81 over Branch

Fair

Greene County, Tennessee · .7 M FM Robert Kiday RD · Structure no. 30I00810075

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
37,804
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I81 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I81 over Branch in Greene County, Tennessee. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 37,804 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,064 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long and 407 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI81
CrossesBranch
Location.7 M FM Robert Kiday RD
RouteInterstate 81
CountyGreene County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.35304, -82.7541
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 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 spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length23 ft (6.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width407 ft (124.1 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 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$355,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I81 over Branch built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is I81 over Branch 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 Branch carry?

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

How long is I81 over Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 407 ft wide.

Who owns I81 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.