US Bridges

I81 over Flat Creek

Poor

Hamblen County, Tennessee · 4.70M.FROM Jefferson Co.L · Structure no. 32I00810019

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
45,697
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I81 over Flat Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I81 over Flat Creek in Hamblen 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 45,697 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 65,512 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI81
CrossesFlat Creek
Location4.70M.FROM Jefferson Co.L
RouteInterstate 81
CountyHamblen County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.1695, -83.21565
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45,697 (2021)
Projected traffic65,512 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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$410,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I81 over Flat Creek built?

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

What condition is I81 over Flat Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does I81 over Flat Creek carry?

About 45,697 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I81 over Flat Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.1 m).

Who owns I81 over Flat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.