US Bridges

FAP 73 over Branch

Fair

Blount County, Tennessee · 3.0 M W of Townsend · Structure no. 05SR0730031

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
47 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,062
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 73 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAP 73 over Branch in Blount County, Tennessee. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 10,062 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,152 by 2042. The structure is 47 ft (14.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 78.9 mi (127 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 73
CrossesBranch
Location3.0 M W of Townsend
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyBlount County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.6784, -83.74123
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length47 ft (14.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,062 (2021)
Projected traffic15,152 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed78.9 mi (127 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$649,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 73 over Branch built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 73 over 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 Branch carry?

About 10,062 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FAP 73 over Branch?

The structure is 47 ft (14.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns FAP 73 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.