US Bridges

I81 over Bent Creek RD & Branch

Fair

Hamblen County, Tennessee · 8.77M.FROM Jefferson Co.L · Structure no. 32I00810037

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
191 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
44,318
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I81 over Bent Creek RD & Branch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I81 over Bent Creek RD & 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 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 2040. The structure is 191 ft (58.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI81
CrossesBent Creek RD & Branch
Location8.77M.FROM Jefferson Co.L
RouteInterstate 81
CountyHamblen County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.19707, -83.15244
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length191 ft (58.2 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44,318 (2021)
Projected traffic62,112 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$401,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I81 over Bent Creek RD & Branch built?

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

What condition is I81 over Bent Creek RD & 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 Bent Creek RD & Branch carry?

About 44,318 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I81 over Bent Creek RD & Branch?

The structure is 191 ft (58.2 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I81 over Bent Creek RD & Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.