I26 Lt LN over Nolichucky River
PoorUnicoi County, Tennessee · 2.2 Mi. S. SR 81 · Structure no. 86I00260034
- Built
- 1977
- 48 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected October 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Prestressed Concrete
- Length
- 551 ft
- 8 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 12,654
- 2021 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
I26 Lt LN over Nolichucky River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I26 Lt 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: open, temporary structure in place while original is closed.
It carries about 12,654 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,246 by 2042. The structure is 551 ft (168 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 0 Failed | Out of service and beyond corrective action. |
| Superstructure | 0 Failed | Out of service and beyond corrective action. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was I26 Lt LN over Nolichucky River built?
It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.
What condition is I26 Lt 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 October 2024.
How much traffic does I26 Lt LN over Nolichucky River carry?
About 12,654 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.
How long is I26 Lt LN over Nolichucky River?
The structure is 551 ft (168 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.
Who owns I26 Lt LN over Nolichucky River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.