US Bridges

I181 over Branch

Fair

Sullivan County, Tennessee · Near SR 93 JCT Kingsport · Structure no. 82I00260023

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
41,117
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I181 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I181 over Branch in Sullivan County, Tennessee. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 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 41,117 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 65,787 by 2042. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 291 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI181
CrossesBranch
LocationNear SR 93 JCT Kingsport
RouteInterstate 26
CountySullivan County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.50136, -82.56441
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable 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 + Mod
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width291 ft (88.7 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic41,117 (2021)
Projected traffic65,787 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$682,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I181 over Branch built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is I181 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 I181 over Branch carry?

About 41,117 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I181 over Branch?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 291 ft wide.

Who owns I181 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.