Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 rise over Sams Gap at an elevation of 3,760 feet. Sams Gap lies along the North Carolina state line in the Bald Mountains. The freeway begins a rapid descent here, therefore a truck inspection area lies ahead. Photo taken 05/31/07.
At the offramp for the truck safety inspection area, a Welcome to Tennessee sign is posted. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Just north of Sams Gap and the North Carolina state line on Interstate 26 westbound, we follow the road downhill toward Erwin. The steep decline of the north-south freeway into Unicoi County provides for a potentially dangerous situation for tractor trailers. Thus a series of runaway truck ramps are included along the Interstate 26 right-of-way. Photos taken 08/23/03 & 07/16/05.
The first westbound Interstate 26 & northbound U.S. 23 reassurance shield assembly posted within the Volunteer State. The vast Cherokee National Forest lies throughout the vista at Sams Gap. Interstate 26 is touted as a Tennessee Scenic Parkway for good reason in Unicoi County. Photo taken 07/18/04.
Sinking northward along Interstate 26 and U.S. 23, in the background is one of the two runaway truck ramps mentioned in the sign depicted above. Photos taken 08/23/03 & 07/16/05.
Through this area, Interstate 26 and U.S. 23 is known as the James H. Quillen Parkway. Named in honor of the region's long-time U.S. House of Representatives member (1963 to 1997) who died on November 2, 2003 (shortly after the opening of Interstate 26), Interstate 26 is part of Appalachian Regional Development Corridor B, which connects Asheville, North Carolina, with Columbus, Ohio. While the corridor is upgraded to Interstate standards from Asheville to Kingsport, there are no short-term or mid-range plans to extend Interstate 26 north of Kingsport to Ohio. Construction of Interstate 26 took place in phases: former Interstate 181 was completed and opened in 1985; the section from the North Carolina State Line north to Johnson City fully opened on July 6, 1995; and the section from Mars Hill, North Carolina, to Sams Gap opened on August 5, 2003. With all these segments complete, Interstate 26 was extended north from Asheville to the Interstate 81 interchange, and it was then extended north again to Kingsport to its current terminus at U.S. 11W. Photo taken 05/31/07.
In 2007, Tennessee's Department of Transportation replaced all the mileposts along Interstate 26 and U.S. 23 to reflect the east-west cardinal direction of the route. The Zero Milepost is currently located at the U.S. 11W interchange in Kingsport, and so this milepost found on the descent from Sams Gap is among the first to be found on westbound (Mile 53; the first milepost is Mile 55). In 2005, the mileposts counted up as we travel northwest; now they count down for the journey to Kingsport. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Continuing the northward descent, Interstate 26 sees a second runaway truck ramp. The freeway cuts through Stamp Ridge near Harris Mill. This section of freeway opened to traffic in 1995 as part of the long-term Interstate 26 construction project. Photos taken 07/16/05 and 05/31/07.
The first Tennessee interchange of Interstate 26 is for Flag Pond Road (Exit 50 / old Exit 5). A trumpet interchange ties the freeway with adjacent Higgins Creek Road near Flag Pond Road (Old U.S. 23) and the community of Flag Pond. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 07/16/05.
The scenery of the lower Appalachians is captured by Interstates 26 and 40 in a way that Interstates 77 and 81 cannot match. The highest peaks of the eastern North American mountain chain are found in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. Big Bald (5,516 feet), Roan High Knob (6,285 feet) and Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) are some of the peaks situated within or near the Interstate 26 corridor. Photo taken 07/16/05.
The Flag Pond Road interchange resides in a valley along Interstate 26 westbound at Harris Mill. The whole area is well entrenched within the Cherokee National Forest. Higgins Creek Road parallels Higgins Creek leads northwest from Harris Mill to Old U.S. 23 (Flag Pond Road) at Flag Pond. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 07/16/05.
A reassurance shield assembly for Interstate 26 west and U.S. 23 north is posted after the onramp from Flag Pond Road. Interstate 26 is a designated Tennessee scenic route as the freeway wends its way from Sams Gap north to Johnson City. Note the continuing rock cuts, which are a common theme along this stretch of freeway. Photo taken 07/16/05.
Interstate 26 winds west of Tilson Mountain and east of Flag Pond. Photo taken 07/16/05.
The beauty of the lower Appalachians as captured by a scenic pull-off on Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 in Unicoi County, Tennessee. Flint Mountain rises to the west, Higgins Ridge to the north. Photos taken 08/23/03 & 07/16/05.
Clear Branch Road intersects Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 at the Exit 46 (old Exit 9) diamond interchange near Clearbranch. Clearbranch and Clear Branch Road are named after a nearby stream leading north to the South Indian Creek. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 07/16/05.
Interstate 26 west & U.S. 23 north continue toward Clearbranch with Laurel Ridge in the background. Photo taken 07/16/05.
Clear Branch Road passes underneath Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 south of the Exit 46 ramp departure. A connector road spurs west from the freeway to Clear Branch Road 0.75 miles south of Tennessee State Secondary 352 (old U.S. 23 / Flag Pond Road) and 0.6 miles north of Tilson Mountain Road. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 07/16/05.
Interstate 26 west & U.S. 23 northbound reassurance shields, posted near the community of Ernestville. Photos taken 07/16/05 and 08/23/03.
A bit of rain and fog were in play on this summer day in 2005 ... and there was a bit of rain in May 2007 as well. Photo taken 07/16/05.
Old U.S. 23 (Tennessee State Secondary 352 / Flag Pond Road) and the parallel South Indian Creek pass underneath Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 at Ernestville. U.S. 19W (Spivey Mountain Road) enters the area from Yancey County, North Carolina and joins old U.S. 23 (Temple Hill Road) northward to Temple Hill and Exit 43 (old Exit 12) of the freeway. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 07/16/05.
U.S. 19W (Temple Hill Road) travels alongside Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 to the Exit 43 diamond interchange. U.S. 19W merges onto Interstate 26 west & U.S. 23 north to Johnson City; Tennessee State Secondary 352 continues along old U.S. 23 through the communities of Temple Hill, Shallowford, and River Hill. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 08/23/03.
Interstate 26 West & U.S. 19W-23 North
Shortly after the U.S. 19W interchange (Exit 43), a set of reassurance shields is posted, this time for Interstate 26 west and U.S. 19W-23 north. The three routes will stay together on this shared alignment until after passing through Johnson City. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Interstate 26 west & U.S. 19W-23 north continue three miles to Exit 40 (old Exit 15) with the Jackson-Love Highway near Love Station. Jackson-Love Highway leads east into the towns of Banner Hill (pop. 1,053) and Erwin (pop. 5,610) along old U.S. 19W & 23. Looking Glass Mountain lies west of the freeway at Banner Hill. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Northbound at the Exit 40 diamond interchange with Jackson-Love Highway. Jackson-Love Highway begins at Sandy Bottom Road nearby and merges with old U.S. 19W & 23 (Tennessee State Secondary 352) adjacent to the exit and South Indian Creek crossing. Old U.S. 19W & 23 follow Ohio Avenue, Love Street, and North Main Avenue through Banner Hill and Erwin to junction Tennessee State Secondary 107. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 08/23/03.
Another set of reassurance shields for Interstate 26 west and U.S. 19W-23 north is posted after Exit 40. The next exit is three miles ahead. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Exit 37 (Old Exit 18) serves the Chester Inn and International Storytelling Center. Each October, people flock to Jonesborough for the annual National Storytelling Festival, which started in 1973 and today gives claim to Jonesborough as the Storytelling Capital of the World. Tennessee 81 travels north from Exit 37 at Erwin to Jonesborough, where it meets U.S. 11E-321. The storytelling center hosts the festival and includes the Chester Inn, which was built in 1797. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Tennessee State Secondary 107 (2nd Street / John Sevier Highway) intersects Interstate 26 & U.S. 19W-23 at Exit 37 (old Exit 18), carrying Tennessee 81 northward from there into Washington County. Tennessee 81 intersects U.S. 11E-321 approximately 15 miles to the north of here at the town of Jonesborough (pop. 4,168). Photos taken 05/31/07 and 08/23/03.
Founded in 1779, the town of Jonesborough is a short detour from the freeway via Tennessee 81 north. The oldest town in the state of Tennessee, Jonesborough was founded 17 years before statehood was granted to Tennessee. During these 17 years prior to statehood, Jonesborough and other nearby towns considered forming the state of Franklin, but Jonesborough ultimately became part of Tennessee. Jonesborough is the seat of Washington County and is home to 4,168 people as of the 2000 Census. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Long distance travelers en route to Greeneville are encouraged to use Tennessee 81 northward 6.6 miles to Tennessee 107 west, which travels west to U.S. 11E-321 at Tusculum near Greeneville. Greeneville lies 29 miles west of Interstate 26 & U.S. 19W-23 at Erwin along U.S. 11E & 321. Tennessee State Secondary 107 continues east from Exit 37 along Main Avenue (Old U.S. 19W & 23) and Unicoi Road into Unicoi. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Westbound Interstate 26 and northbound U.S. 19W-23 reaches Exit 37 (Old Exit 18), Junction Tennessee 81 north to Jonesborough and Junction Tennessee 107 west to Greeneville. Exit 37 also connects to Tennessee Secondary 107 east to the town of Erwin. Home to 5,610 as of the 2000 Census, Erwin is the seat of Unicoi County in the "Valley Beautiful." Erwin was incorporated on April 21, 1891. Old U.S. 19W-23 parallels Interstate 26 on the east side of the freeway via the secondary route, so use this exit to the old road and downtown Erwin. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Another set of reassurance shields for Interstate 26 and U.S. 19W-23 is posted after Exit 37 in Erwin. Photo taken 05/31/07.
The next exit along northbound Interstate 26 is Exit 36, Main Street to Erwin. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Westbound Interstate 26 and northbound U.S. 19W-23 reaches Exit 36, Main Street. Main Street connects the Exit 36 (old Exit 19) diamond interchange with Tennessee State Secondary 107 (Main Avenue) in Erwin and Harris Hollow Road upwards to Buffalo Mountain. Most motorist services are available at this exit by traveling east into downtown Erwin. Photo taken 05/31/07.
More reassurance shields for Interstate 26 west and U.S. 19W-23 north are posted after Exit 36/Main Street in Erwin. Photo taken 05/31/07.
The next exit on Interstate 26 west and U.S. 19W-23 north is Exit 34, Tinker Road. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Westbound Interstate 26 and northbound U.S. 19W-23 reaches Exit 34, Tinker Road north of Erwin. The freeway continues northeast as a scenic route toward Unicoi. Yes, we are traveling northeast now on a freeway signed as "West." Photo taken 05/31/07.
More reassurance shields for Interstate 26 west and U.S. 19W-23 north are posted after Exit 34/Tinker Road. Photo taken 05/31/07.
The next exit along Interstate 26 west and U.S. 19W-23 north is Exit 32, Junction Tennessee Secondary 173/Unicoi Road. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Use Exit 34 to Cherokee National Forest and its recreational areas. At over 640,000 acres, Cherokee National Forest is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee. Hiking, camping, and related activities are available for national forest visitors. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Westbound Interstate 26 and northbound U.S. 19W-23 reaches Exit 32, Junction Tennessee Secondary 173/Unicoi Road. Tennessee State Secondary 173 spurs from Tennessee 36 westward to a partial cloverleaf interchange (Exit 32 / old Exit 23) with Interstate 26 & U.S. 19W-23 via Unicoi Road. Tennessee 36 follows the old U.S. 19W-23 routing through the town of Unicoi (pop. 3,519) nearby. Just west is a new diamond interchange (Exit 34 / old Exit 21) joining Interstate 26 & U.S. 19W-23 with Tinker road west of Unicoi. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Shortly after Exit 32 is this set of reassurance shields. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Interstate 26 continues north through the scenic valleys between Unicoi and Johnson City. Unlike the descent from Sams Gap, this stretch of Interstate 26 features a full median rather than a jersey barrier. Photo taken 05/31/07.
The next exit along Interstate 26 west and U.S. 23-19W north is Junction Tennessee State Secondary 359 (Exit 27 / old Exit 28), a short connector between the freeway and old U.S. 23 & 19W (Erwin Highway / Roan Street) at Okolona. Tennessee State Secondary 359 travels northeast from Roan Street and Exit 27 along Okolona Road to Tennessee State Secondary 359 (Milligan Highway) at Milligan. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Interstate 26 & U.S. 23-19W leave Unicoi County and enter Carter County east of Haynes Knob, prior to Exit 27. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Westbound Interstate 26 and northbound U.S. 23-19W meets Junction Tennessee State Secondary 359 at Exit 27 (old Exit 28). Photo taken 05/31/07.
The next six exits serve the Johnson City metropolitan area: Exit 24, Junction U.S. 321/Tennessee 67 to Elizabethton; Exit 23, Junction Tennessee Secondary 91/Market Street; Exit 22, Tennessee Secondary 400 (Unaka / Watauga Avenues); Exits 20B-A, Junction U.S. 11E and U.S. 19W (North Roan Street); and Exit 19, Junction Tennessee 381/State of Franklin Road. Photo taken 05/31/07.
At Exit 24, use U.S. 321/Tennessee 67 east to U.S. 19E south to Roan Mountain State Park. Camping, hiking, swimming, and other activities are available at the park, which is located on the forested foothills just north of 6,285-foot Roan Mountain. Photo taken 05/31/07.
In addition, U.S. 321/Tennessee 67 east connects to Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. This site is open for day-use only, and includes a hiking trail and features historical programming. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Interstate 26's namesake, former U.S. Representative James H. Quillen, appears again on this sign, since he is honored for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Note that with all of these advance signs, U.S. 321 and Tennessee 67 have yet to be mentioned on any of them! Photo taken 05/31/07.
Use Exit 24 to Tipton Haynes Historic Site, which is the Civil War-era home of Col. John Tipton and one of his slaves, George Haynes. An interpretive center and museum is also located at the site. Photo taken 05/31/07.
The first of five interchanges to serve the Johnson City (pop. 55,469) area of Interstate 26 is that of Exit 24 (old Exit 31). Intersecting the north-south freeway at this junction are the overlapped U.S. 321 & Tennessee 67 (University Parkway). While the highways follow a freeway to the east, the interchange between the two limited access highways constitutes a partial cloverleaf with traffic signals. Exit 24 serves interests to Watauga Dam, Milligan College, and East Tennessee State University. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 08/23/03.
Interstate 26 leaves Carter County and enters Washington County. At this point, the freeway bends again to the northwest as bypasses downtown Johnson City and then speeds northwest to Kingston. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Interstate 26 & U.S. 19W-23 north approaches Exit 24, Junction U.S. 321 & Tennessee 67 (Milligan Highway). The overlapped highways travel a 4.5-mile long freeway between Johnson City and Elizabethton (pop. 13,372); this route is proposed by the regional transportation planning organization as proposed Interstate 326. U.S. 321 merges onto U.S. 19E at Elizabethton in eight miles. The interchange between Interstate 26 and U.S. 321 represents the historical southern terminus of the 2003-truncated Interstate 181. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 08/23/03.
A power line crosses over Interstate 26, while a railroad passes below the freeway. The offramp to Exit 24 is just ahead. Photo taken 05/31/07.
The gore point for the exit onto U.S. 321 and Tennessee 67 from Interstate 26 is located after a bridge. An overhead sign would be helpful at this location. From here, U.S. 321 travels east to Boone, North Carolina and west to Greeneville, Newport, Sevierville, and Maryville before ending at Interstate 40 Exit 364 near Lenoir City. Tennessee 67 overlaps the federal route to the east toward Elizabethton. The section of U.S. 321 from Interstate 26 east to Elizabethton is a freeway, and it is proposed to be upgraded to Interstate standards and given the designation of Interstate 326 by the Johnson City Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization, a regional council of governments. Such an upgrade would have to include a high-speed interchange with Interstate 26, which is currently a diamond. Photo taken 05/31/07.
At the Exit 23 interchange, former Interstate 181 began. This Interstate Highway was designated from 1985 through 2003 between U.S. 321 and U.S. 11W. Prior to its decommissioning in 2003, this used to be the first Interstate 181 northbound shield assembly. Now this shield assembly shows Interstate 26 west and U.S. 19W-23 north after the Exit 24 (old Exit 31) interchange. Entering from the right is the U.S. 321 and Tennessee 67 on-ramp. Ahead is the Highland Road overpass. Photo taken 08/23/03.
One of two downtown Johnson City interchanges, Exit 23 (old Exit 32) links Interstate 26 and U.S. 19W-23 with Tennessee State Secondary 91 (Main Street). Main Street represents the original routing of U.S. 321 through the city. East of town, Tennessee SSR 91 becomes the Elizabethton Highway en route to Elizabethton via old U.S. 321. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 08/23/03.
An extended diamond interchange composes the Exit 23 junction with Tennessee State Secondary 91 (Main Street) and nearby Market Streets. Interstate 26 crosses over an adjacent railroad line and State of Franklin Road to the south of the Tennessee SSR 91 northbound off-ramp. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 08/23/03.
Westbound Interstate 26 next meets Tennessee Secondary 400 at Exit 22 with short notice. Between Millard Street and 9th Avenue in Johnson City, Interstate 26 bisects the block between Oak and Elm Streets. The two north-south avenues act as frontage roads for the freeway. The Exit 22 (Old Exit 33) ramps to Unaka & Wautauga Avenues utilize short access ramps to Oak and Elm Streets below. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 08/23/03.
Interstate 26 and U.S. 19W-23 northbound curve northward through northern reaches of Johnson City. The busiest stretch of the freeway through Johnson City proper occurs between Main Street and Tennessee State Secondary 400 (43,980 vpd). The counts lower slightly to 42,250 vpd between Exits 22 and 20 (Old Exit 35). Photo taken 05/31/07.
U.S. 11E travels east from Jonesborough with U.S. 321 to junction Tennessee 381 (State of Franklin Road) in Johnson City. From there the federal highway follows Market Street and John Exum Parkway northward to Roan Street with Roan Street carrying U.S. 11E northward from John Exum Parkway to the Mall at Johnson City and junction Interstate 26 & U.S. 19W-23 (Exits 20B/A). Photo taken 05/31/07.
U.S. 19W will depart from Interstate 26/U.S. 23 at Exit 20B. It will follow U.S. 11E northeast to its merge back with U.S. 19E near Bluff City. After that, a reunited U.S. 19 will carry on with U.S. 11E to Bristol, which is where U.S. 11E reunites with U.S. 11W to again form U.S. 11. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Attached to the Princeton Road overpass is the Exit 20B (Old Exit 35A) overhead for U.S. 11E & 19W (Roan Street) north off-ramp. The three-quarter cloverleaf interchange represents the departure point for U.S. 19W from the Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 freeway. U.S. 11E & 19W remain overlapped through to the city of Bristol (pop. 24,821) where both highways merge with their respective counterpart. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Interstate 26 West & U.S. 23 North
Exit 20A (old Exit 35B) loops onto U.S. 11E (Roan Street) southbound from Interstate 26 west & U.S. 23 north. Sunset Drive and Princeton Road intersect Roan Street at the mall nearby. Roan Street represents the historic alignment of U.S. 23. Photo taken 05/31/07.
One-half mile guide sign for Exit 19 (Tennessee 381) on Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 northbound. Known as State of Franklin Road, Tennessee 381 loops west of Johnson City between U.S. 11E and U.S. 321 (University Parkway). Photos taken 05/31/07 and 08/23/03.
Descending toward the Exit 19 (old Exit 36) single point urban interchange (SPUI) with Tennessee 381 (State of Franklin Road). State of Franklin Road loops to the west and south of the city, ending at Main Street (State Secondary 91 and old U.S. 321) near the Exit 23 interchange of Interstate 26 & U.S. 23. Tennessee 381 continues eastward a short distance from Exit 19 via Oakland Avenue to U.S. 11E & 19W (Bristol Highway). Photos taken 05/31/07 and 08/23/03.
Departing the Johnson City vicinity, Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 approach the Exit 17 (Old Exit 38) diamond interchange. Intersecting the freeway here is the north-south Boone Creek Road (Tennessee State Secondary 354). The surface highway links Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 with U.S. 11E at the town of Jonesborough. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Westbound Interstate 26 and northbound U.S. 23 reaches Exit 17, Junction Tennessee Secondary 354/Boone Creek Road. Photo taken 05/31/07.
After Exit 17 (Junction Tennessee Secondary 354/Boone Creek Road), the speed limit increases to 70 miles per hour on Interstate 26. Another set of reassurance shields is posted after the onramp from Exit 17. Photo taken 05/31/07.
This mileage sign on westbound Interstate 26 and northbound U.S. 23 provides the distance to Kingsport, which is 16 miles northwest of here. None of U.S. 23's destinations in Virginia or Kentucky are mentioned on this sign. Photo taken 05/31/07.
A large power transmission line passes over Interstate 26 about a mile northwest of Exit 17. This line is likely owned by the federal Tennessee Valley Authority, which owns most power generation facilities in the state of Tennessee and elsewhere along the Tennessee River including three nuclear power plants and multiple hydroelectric power generation facilities within the Tennessee River basin. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Meeting Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 next is Tennessee State Secondary 75 (Suncrest Drive south / Bobby Hicks Drive north). A partial-cloverleaf interchange joins the two highways at Exit 13 (Old Exit 42) near the community of Gray. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 07/16/05.
Interstate 26 west & U.S. 23 north sink into the Cedar Creek valley ahead of the Exit 13 off-ramp to Sunset Drive south and Bobby Hicks Drive north. Tennessee State Secondary 75 leads 6.4 miles northeast from Exit 13 and Gray to Tri-Cities Regional Airport and Northeast State Technical Community College. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Spanning Cedar Creek, Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 reach the Exit 13 (Old Exit 42) off-ramp to Tennessee State Secondary 75. Suncrest Drive travels southwestward to Sulphur Springs; State Secondary 75 north follows Bobby Hicks Drive to Gray (pop. 1,273) and Spurgeon (pop. 3,460). The sign for Tennessee State Secondary 75 was updated by 2005 to add Bobby Hicks Drive in addition to Sunset Drive. Tennessee State Secondary 75 travels overall 28 miles from U.S. 11E & 321 near Limestone to Blountville. Gray Station Road travels northwest from Bobby Hicks Drive to the Appalachian Fairgrounds. Photos taken 05/31/07, 07/16/05, and 08/23/03.
Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 pass over Douglas Shred Ridge on the one mile approach to Eastern Star Road (Exit 10 / Old Exit 45). Eastern Star Road heads north from Kinchloe Mill Road in north Washington County to meet the freeway at the Sullivan County line. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 07/16/05.
Approaching Eastern Star Road, a large power line also likely owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority crosses Interstate 26. This large tower features a single circuit, 500 kV (or greater) power line. Photos taken 05/31/07.
Eastern Star Road continues north from Exit 10 of Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 along side the freeway to Fordtown Road. Fordtown Road leads west to junction Interstate 81 and east across Miller Ridge to Lebanon Road at Fordtown. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 07/16/05.
Shortly after Exit 10, Interstate 26 west and U.S. 23 north enter Sullivan County. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Reassurance markers posted for Interstate 26 west & U.S. 23 north beyond Exit 10. These were the last such northbound shields until the August 2, 2005, extension of Interstate 26 was approved. Signage for Interstate 181 was not fully removed until March 2007. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Exits 8B-A (Old Exits 46A-B) constitutes a full cloverleaf interchange with Interstates 26 & 81. Interstate 26 ended here from 2003 until 2005, but now continues northward to Kingsport. Interstate 81 stays south of Kingsport and north of Johnson City, but does directly serve Bristol, the third of the tri-cities. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 07/18/04.
Nearing the departure of the Exit 8A off-ramp of Interstate 81 northbound. 18 miles separate the Interstate 26 & 81 junction with the Virginia state line and city of Bristol. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 07/18/04.
Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 northbound at Exit 8B (Interstate 81 northbound). Ahead is the Exit 8A cloverleaf ramp to Interstate 81 southbound to the city of Knoxville (pop. 173,890). Photos taken 05/31/07 and 07/18/04.
Exit 8A loops onto Interstate 81 southbound 49 miles to Morristown and 85 miles to Knoxville in conjunction with Interstate 40 west. Interstate 26 west continues over former Interstate 181 into the city of Kingsport (pop. 44,905 as of the 2000 Census). Photos taken 05/31/07 and 08/23/03.
The next five exits from the freeway, including the final exits of Interstate 26, will serve the vicinity of Kingsport, which is located mostly within Sullivan County and is part of the Tri-Cities, which also includes Johnson City and Bristol. These exits are: Exit 6, Junction Tennessee Secondary 347/Rock Springs Road; Exit 4, Wilcox Drive; Exit 1, Junction U.S. 11W; and finally Former Exit 57, Junction Tennessee Secondary 36/Lynn Garden Road and Tennessee Secondary 346/Carter Valley Road. Photo taken 05/31/07.
An Interstate 26 and U.S. 23 west reassurance shield assembly is posted shortly thereafter. Note that U.S. 23 is not signed as "north." Photo taken 05/31/07.
The first interchange north of the Interstate 26 & 81 cloverleaf is Exit 6 (Old Exit 49) with Tennessee State Secondary 347 (Rock Springs Road). Rock Springs Road loops eastward from Tennessee 93 (Wilcox Drive) through the community of Rock Springs to Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 and Moreland Drive. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Westfield Drive passes over Interstate 26 on this overpass. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 northbound at the Exit 6 diamond interchange of Rock Springs Road. Photo taken 05/31/07.
The gore point for Exit 6/Rock Springs Road comes into view shortly thereafter. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Another Interstate 26 west and U.S. 23 north reassurance shield assembly is posted after Exit 6. Photo taken 05/31/07.
The next exit on Interstate 26 west and U.S. 23 north is Exit 4, Junction Tennessee 93/Wilcox Drive, one mile. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Use Exit 3 (Meadowood Parkway) to Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium and to Meadow View Convention Center in Kingsport. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Interstate 26 begins a lengthy descent into the Holston River Valley and city of Kingsport. The final three interchanges of the north-south Interstate serve the Sullivan County city of 44,905. Displayed in this photograph is the 0.25 mile overhead for Exit 4 (Old Exit 51) with Tennessee 93 (Wilcox Drive). Photo taken 05/31/07.
Exit 4 traffic departs Interstate 26 west & U.S. 23 northbound for Tennessee 93 (Wilcox Drive) and the John B. Dennis Highway. The southern half of the Exit 4 interchange constitutes a partial "Y" interchange. A direct ramp carries Wilcox Road southbound traffic onto Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 from the junction of Tennessee 93 with the John B. Dennis Highway. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Meadowood Parkway intersects Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 just north of the Wilcox Road partial cloverleaf interchange. The east-west highway travels between Tennessee 93 and Reservoir Road in south Kingsport. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Westbound (northbound) Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 reaches Exit 3, Meadowood Parkway in south Kingsport. Photo taken 05/31/07.
The final Interstate 26 (formerly Interstate 181, as shown in the 2003 photo) northbound reassurance shield is posted north of the Meadowood Parkway diamond interchange. The ascent of the freeway requires a truck climbing lane for northbound motorists. The speed limit reduces to 55 miles per hour for the final three miles of the freeway. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 08/23/03.
Ascending to the summit, the climbing lane ends, and Interstate 26/U.S. 23 begin to descend to the Holston River. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Interstate 26 & U.S. 23 rounds a bend and descends toward the Holston River and U.S. 11W (West Stone Drive). The Midfields, West View Park, Howard Hill, Beartown, and Fort Robinson neighborhoods of the city sprawl over the hillside to the north of the river. Photos taken 05/31/07 and 08/23/03.
The final mile of Interstate 26 comes into view as the freeway crosses the Holston River. A hospital is also available at Exit 1/Junction U.S. 11W. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Interstate 26 and U.S. 23 cross the South Fork of the Holston River. This bridge is fairly long and signifies the approaching end of Interstate 26. Photo taken 05/31/07.
The bridge over the South Fork of the Holston River consists of two carriageways that carry north and south Interstate 26 and U.S. 23 over the river. The bridge is fully Interstate standard and features low level lights on the left shoulder. Foggy conditions can prevail on the bridge, so proceed with caution during that kind of weather. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Westbound Interstate 26 reaches Exit 1, Junction U.S. 11W/West Stone Drive. The partial cloverleaf interchange of Exit 1 (Old Exit 55) represents the western terminus of Interstate 26 (historic north end of Interstate 181). Here U.S. 11W (West Stone Drive) travels east-west underneath the four lane freeway. West Stone Drive links the freeway with Church Hill (pop. 5,916) and the Holston Army Ammunition Plant and northern reaches of the downtown area. Photo taken 05/31/07.
After the onramp from U.S. 11W, an END Interstate 26 shield is posted. U.S. 23 will continue north from here to Gate City, Virginia. Photos taken 05/31/07.
The Zero Milepost is found immediately after the END Interstate 26 shield assembly. Interstate 181 also ended at this interchange during its nearly 20 years of existence. Photo taken 05/31/07.
U.S. 23 North
After the U.S. 11W interchange, a solo U.S. 23 north shield is found, along with a companion Tennessee scenic route shield. Photo taken 05/31/07.
U.S. 23 continues as a full freeway from U.S. 11W and Interstate 26 two more miles to the Virginia State line. The limited access highway cuts through residential areas of Kingsport in this scene at the Virgil Avenue underpass and Granby Road overpass. Photo taken 05/31/07.
The final interchange of the U.S. 23 freeway occurs at the Virginia state line with Tennessee State Secondary 36 (Lynn Garden Drive) and Tennessee State Secondary 346 (Carters Valley Road). The north and southbound lanes of U.S. 23 enclose the intersection of Lynn Garden Road and Carters Valley Road to the north of the Exit 57 off-ramp. Photo taken 05/31/07.
A rust-colored sound wall lines the east side of the U.S. 23 freeway as it approaches the final interchange and the Virginia state line. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Passing under Harrison Avenue, the U.S. 23 freeway prepares to split. The right lane connects to former Exit 57, Junction Tennessee Secondary 36/Lynn Garden Drive, while the left lane carries U.S. 23 north to Gate City, Virginia. Photo taken 05/31/07.
Northbound U.S. 23 reaches former Exit 57, Junction Tennessee Secondary 36/Lynn Garden Drive. The freeway ends at this point. Stay left to follow U.S. 23 north to Gate City, Virginia. Photo taken 05/31/07.
After former Exit 57 (Junction Tennessee Secondary 36/Lynn Garden Drive), one-lane northbound U.S. 23 merges with traffic from Tennessee Secondary 36, then turns north toward Gate City. Photo taken 05/31/07.
With various motorist services lining both sides of U.S. 23, a small trailblazer promotes U.S. 23 as the Country Music Highway. Photo taken 05/31/07.
U.S. 23 transitions into a four-lane surface boulevard at the Virginia state line. The federal highway travels a short distance into the Commonwealth of Virginia to U.S. 58 & 321 at the town of Weber City (pop. 1,333). From there the three highways share 17.7 miles of pavement through Gate City (pop. 2,159) to Duffield (pop. 62). Photos taken 05/31/07 and 08/23/03.
