US Bridges

I26 over Dry Creek

Fair

Unicoi County, Tennessee · 2.4 M S of SR 173 · Structure no. 86I00260017

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,623
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I26 over Dry Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I26 over Dry Creek in Unicoi County, Tennessee. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 16,623 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 35,408 by 2040. The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long and 188 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.2 mi (55 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI26
CrossesDry Creek
Location2.4 M S of SR 173
RouteInterstate 26
CountyUnicoi County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.18113, -82.38124
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length25 ft (7.7 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width188 ft (57.3 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,623 (2021)
Projected traffic35,408 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.2 mi (55 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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$371,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I26 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is I26 over Dry Creek 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does I26 over Dry Creek carry?

About 16,623 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I26 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 188 ft wide.

Who owns I26 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.