I81 over Bent Creek
FairHamblen County, Tennessee · 8.46 M FR Jefferson CO LN · Structure no. 32I00810036
- Built
- 1972
- 53 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected March 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Prestressed Concrete Continuous
- Length
- 293 ft
- 5 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 44,318
- 2021 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
I81 over Bent Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I81 over Bent Creek 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 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 44,318 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 62,112 by 2041. The structure is 293 ft (89.3 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was I81 over Bent Creek built?
It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.
What condition is I81 over Bent 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 Bent Creek carry?
About 44,318 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.
How long is I81 over Bent Creek?
The structure is 293 ft (89.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.
Who owns I81 over Bent Creek?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.