US Bridges

I26 over Higgins Creek

Fair

Unicoi County, Tennessee · 4.53 MI from Nc/Tn ST LN · Structure no. 86I00260069

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,759
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I26 over Higgins Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I26 over Higgins Creek in Unicoi County, Tennessee. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 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 8,759 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,384 by 2040. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 861 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 4.3 mi (7 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI26
CrossesHiggins Creek
Location4.53 MI from Nc/Tn ST LN
RouteInterstate 26
CountyUnicoi County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.01273, -82.54632
Functional classRural 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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width861 ft (262.3 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,759 (2021)
Projected traffic16,384 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed4.3 mi (7 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$613,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I26 over Higgins Creek built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is I26 over Higgins 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 Higgins Creek carry?

About 8,759 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I26 over Higgins Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 861 ft wide.

Who owns I26 over Higgins Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.