US Bridges

I26 over Rocky Creek

Fair

Unicoi County, Tennessee · North of Erwin · Structure no. 86I00260025

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

About this bridge

I26 over Rocky Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I26 over 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 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 13,947 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,315 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 182 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI26
CrossesRocky Creek
LocationNorth of Erwin
RouteInterstate 26
CountyUnicoi County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.16167, -82.40334
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width182 ft (55.5 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,947 (2021)
Projected traffic22,315 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-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$328,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I26 over Rocky Creek built?

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

What condition is I26 over Rocky 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 Rocky Creek carry?

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

How long is I26 over Rocky Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 182 ft wide.

Who owns I26 over Rocky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.