US Bridges

I81 over SR 394

FairPosted for load

Sullivan County, Tennessee · 3 M NE JCT I81&SR126 · Structure no. 82I00810034

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
216 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
29,247
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I81 over SR 394 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I81 over SR 394 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 29,247 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,795 by 2042. The structure is 216 ft (65.7 m) long and 44 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI81
CrossesSR 394
Location3 M NE JCT I81&SR126
RouteInterstate 81
CountySullivan County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.54167, -82.33667
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating24.7 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length216 ft (65.7 m)
Longest span108 ft (32.9 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,247 (2021)
Projected traffic46,795 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I81 over SR 394 built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is I81 over SR 394 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 SR 394 carry?

About 29,247 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I81 over SR 394?

The structure is 216 ft (65.7 m) long with a longest span of 108 ft (32.9 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I81 over SR 394?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.