US Bridges

FAP 73 over Laurel Bank Branch

Good

Blount County, Tennessee · 4.1 M S of SR115 · Structure no. 05SR0730007

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
24,642
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 73 over Laurel Bank Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAP 73 over Laurel Bank Branch in Blount County, Tennessee. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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.

It carries about 24,642 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,750 by 2042. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 36 mi (58 km).

CarriesFAP 73
CrossesLaurel Bank Branch
Location4.1 M S of SR115
RouteU.S. Route 321
Coordinates35.75297, -84.0067
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,642 (2021)
Projected traffic43,750 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed36 mi (58 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$590,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 73 over Laurel Bank Branch built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 73 over Laurel Bank Branch 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 Laurel Bank Branch carry?

About 24,642 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FAP 73 over Laurel Bank Branch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns FAP 73 over Laurel Bank Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.