US Bridges

I26 Ramp over N. Fk. Rocky Creek

Good

Unicoi County, Tennessee · North of Erwin · Structure no. 86I00260023

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,947
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I26 Ramp over N. Fk. Rocky Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I26 Ramp over N. Fk. Rocky Creek in Unicoi 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 13,947 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,112 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 256 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI26 Ramp
CrossesN. Fk. Rocky Creek
LocationNorth of Erwin
RouteInterstate 26
CountyUnicoi County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.16283, -82.40023
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width256 ft (78 m)
Roadway width254 ft (77.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,947 (2021)
Projected traffic24,112 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$446,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I26 Ramp over N. Fk. Rocky Creek built?

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

What condition is I26 Ramp over N. Fk. Rocky Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does I26 Ramp over N. Fk. Rocky Creek carry?

About 13,947 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I26 Ramp over N. Fk. Rocky Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 256 ft wide.

Who owns I26 Ramp over N. Fk. Rocky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.