US Bridges

I26 over Branch

Fair

Sullivan County, Tennessee · 1.55 Mi.N.Of Washington · Structure no. 82I00260009

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
41,007
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I26 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I26 over Branch in Sullivan County, Tennessee. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 41,007 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 65,611 by 2042. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 41 mi (66 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI26
CrossesBranch
Location1.55 Mi.N.Of Washington
RouteInterstate 26
CountySullivan County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.45577, -82.5248
Functional classUrban 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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic41,007 (2021)
Projected traffic65,611 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed41 mi (66 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$650,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I26 over Branch built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is I26 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does I26 over Branch carry?

About 41,007 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I26 over Branch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I26 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.