US Bridges

I81 over East Fork Flat Creek

Fair

Hamblen County, Tennessee · 4.77M.FROM Jefferson Co.L · Structure no. 32I00810021

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
45,697
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I81 over East Fork Flat Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I81 over East Fork Flat Creek in Hamblen County, Tennessee. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 45,697 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 64,368 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 358 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI81
CrossesEast Fork Flat Creek
Location4.77M.FROM Jefferson Co.L
RouteInterstate 81
CountyHamblen County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.17043, -83.21436
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 inspectionMarch 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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width358 ft (109 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45,697 (2021)
Projected traffic64,368 by 2040
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$470,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I81 over East Fork Flat Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is I81 over East Fork Flat 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does I81 over East Fork Flat Creek carry?

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

How long is I81 over East Fork Flat Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m) and a deck 358 ft wide.

Who owns I81 over East Fork Flat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.