US Bridges

FAP 73 over Gravel Branch

Fair

Blount County, Tennessee · .28 E. of Maryville · Structure no. 05SR0730011

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20,238
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 73 over Gravel Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FAP 73 over Gravel Branch in Blount County, Tennessee. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 86 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 6 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 20,238 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,094 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 73
CrossesGravel Branch
Location.28 E. of Maryville
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyBlount County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.75695, -83.91333
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (6.9 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,238 (2021)
Projected traffic31,094 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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 of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$506,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 73 over Gravel Branch built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is FAP 73 over Gravel Branch 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 73 over Gravel Branch carry?

About 20,238 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FAP 73 over Gravel Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m).

Who owns FAP 73 over Gravel Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.