US Bridges

I81 over Branch

Fair

Jefferson County, Tennessee · .9 M NE of SR341-I81 · Structure no. 45I00810022

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
49,004
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I81 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I81 over Branch in Jefferson County, Tennessee. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 49,004 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 78,406 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 105 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI81
CrossesBranch
Location.9 M NE of SR341-I81
RouteInterstate 81
CountyJefferson County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.11946, -83.32603
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.8 m)
Deck width105 ft (31.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic49,004 (2021)
Projected traffic78,406 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$215,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I81 over Branch built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is I81 over 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does I81 over Branch carry?

About 49,004 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I81 over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.8 m) and a deck 105 ft wide.

Who owns I81 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.