US Bridges

I26 Lt LN over Gorge

Good

Unicoi County, Tennessee · 1.90 MI from Nc/Tn ST LN · Structure no. 86I00260076

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
639 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
10,622
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I26 Lt LN over Gorge is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I26 Lt LN over Gorge in Unicoi County, Tennessee. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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 10,622 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,995 by 2042. The structure is 639 ft (194.9 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesI26 Lt LN
CrossesGorge
Location1.90 MI from Nc/Tn ST LN
RouteInterstate 26
Coordinates35.97893, -82.5481
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length639 ft (194.9 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,622 (2021)
Projected traffic16,995 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I26 Lt LN over Gorge built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is I26 Lt LN over Gorge 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 Lt LN over Gorge carry?

About 10,622 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I26 Lt LN over Gorge?

The structure is 639 ft (194.9 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I26 Lt LN over Gorge?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.