US Bridges

I81 over Long Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Tennessee · 5.85MI from Hamblen CO LN · Structure no. 45I00810003

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
48,169
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I81 over Long Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I81 over Long Creek in Jefferson County, Tennessee. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 48,169 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 77,070 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long and 219 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI81
CrossesLong Creek
Location5.85MI from Hamblen CO LN
RouteInterstate 81
CountyJefferson County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.07943, -83.3702
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 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 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 length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width219 ft (66.7 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic48,169 (2021)
Projected traffic77,070 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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$440,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I81 over Long Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is I81 over Long 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does I81 over Long Creek carry?

About 48,169 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I81 over Long Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 219 ft wide.

Who owns I81 over Long Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.