US Bridges

I26 Rt LN over Nolichucky River

PoorClosed to traffic

Unicoi County, Tennessee · 2.2 Mi. S. SR 81 · Structure no. 86I00260033

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
553 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
12,654
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I26 Rt LN over Nolichucky River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I26 Rt LN over Nolichucky River in Unicoi County, Tennessee. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 0 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 12,654 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,246 by 2042. The structure is 553 ft (168.6 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI26 Rt LN
CrossesNolichucky River
Location2.2 Mi. S. SR 81
RouteInterstate 26
Coordinates36.12735, -82.44347
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Approach roadway alignment0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length553 ft (168.6 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.6 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,654 (2021)
Projected traffic20,246 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I26 Rt LN over Nolichucky River built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is I26 Rt LN over Nolichucky River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does I26 Rt LN over Nolichucky River carry?

About 12,654 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I26 Rt LN over Nolichucky River?

The structure is 553 ft (168.6 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.6 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I26 Rt LN over Nolichucky River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.