US Bridges

I81 over Branch

Fair

Sullivan County, Tennessee · .2 M SW JCT I81&I181 · Structure no. 82I00810005

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
37 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35,191
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I81 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I81 over Branch in Sullivan County, Tennessee. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 35,191 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,306 by 2042. The structure is 37 ft (11.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

Location

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CarriesI81
CrossesBranch
Location.2 M SW JCT I81&I181
RouteInterstate 81
CountySullivan County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.45198, -82.52668
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 length37 ft (11.4 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 traffic35,191 (2021)
Projected traffic56,306 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 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$683,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I81 over Branch built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does I81 over Branch carry?

About 35,191 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I81 over Branch?

The structure is 37 ft (11.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I81 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.