US Bridges

FAP 73 over Little River

GoodPosted for load

Blount County, Tennessee · 4.0 M SW of Townsand · Structure no. 05S24220001

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
244 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,307
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 73 over Little River is a concrete tee beam carrying FAP 73 over Little River in Blount County, Tennessee. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 years old, older 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 7,307 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,166 by 2042. The structure is 244 ft (74.3 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesFAP 73
CrossesLittle River
Location4.0 M SW of Townsand
RouteU.S. Route 321
Coordinates35.6804, -83.73278
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating19 US tons
Inventory rating11.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length244 ft (74.3 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.3 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,307 (2021)
Projected traffic10,166 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 73 over Little River built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 73 over Little River 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 73 over Little River carry?

About 7,307 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FAP 73 over Little River?

The structure is 244 ft (74.3 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.3 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 73 over Little River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.