US Bridges

I81 over Hales Branch

Fair

Hamblen County, Tennessee · 7.49M.FROM Jefferson Co.L · Structure no. 32I00810029

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
45,697
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I81 over Hales Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I81 over Hales Branch in Hamblen County, Tennessee. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 29 ft (8.7 m) long and 464 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI81
CrossesHales Branch
Location7.49M.FROM Jefferson Co.L
RouteInterstate 81
CountyHamblen County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.19237, -83.17358
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 Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.7 m)
Longest span13 ft (3.9 m)
Deck width464 ft (141.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45,697 (2021)
Projected traffic64,368 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
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$449,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I81 over Hales Branch built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is I81 over Hales 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does I81 over Hales Branch carry?

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

How long is I81 over Hales Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (3.9 m) and a deck 464 ft wide.

Who owns I81 over Hales Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.