US Bridges

Laurel Creek Road over Laurel Creek

Fair

Blount County, Tennessee · 5.0 Miles South from NPS · Structure no. 5460024P0000000

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,436
2022 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Laurel Creek Road over Laurel Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Laurel Creek Road over Laurel Creek 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 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 4,436 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,323 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLaurel Creek Road
CrossesLaurel Creek
Location5.0 Miles South from NPS
RouteFederal Lands Road 15
CountyBlount County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.61617, -83.74111
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,436 (2022)
Projected traffic5,323 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$30,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Laurel Creek Road over Laurel Creek built?

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

What condition is Laurel Creek Road over Laurel Creek 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Laurel Creek Road over Laurel Creek carry?

About 4,436 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Laurel Creek Road over Laurel Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Laurel Creek Road over Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.