US Bridges

U.S. 441 over Clinch River

Fair

Anderson County, Tennessee · Norris Dam · Structure no. 01SRO710007

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
331 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,801
2021 count
Owner
Federal
Tennessee Valley Authority

About this bridge

U.S. 441 over Clinch River is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying U.S. 441 over Clinch River in Anderson County, Tennessee. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 89 years old, older 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 1,801 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,100 by 2041. The structure is 331 ft (100.9 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesU.S. 441
CrossesClinch River
LocationNorris Dam
RouteU.S. Route 441
CountyAnderson County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.22444, -84.09222
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length331 ft (100.9 m)
Longest span105 ft (32 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,801 (2021)
Projected traffic2,100 by 2041
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTennessee Valley Authority
Maintained byTennessee Valley Authority
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 441 over Clinch River built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is U.S. 441 over Clinch River 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does U.S. 441 over Clinch River carry?

About 1,801 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 441 over Clinch River?

The structure is 331 ft (100.9 m) long with a longest span of 105 ft (32 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. 441 over Clinch River?

It is owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority.