US Bridges

Forge Creek Road over Forge Creek

Fair

Blount County, Tennessee · 1.7 MI to NPS Rte. 500 · Structure no. 5460036P0000000

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
83 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2019 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Forge Creek Road over Forge Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Forge Creek Road over Forge Creek in Blount County, Tennessee. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 69 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 5 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 110 by 2039. The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesForge Creek Road
CrossesForge Creek
Location1.7 MI to NPS Rte. 500
RouteFederal Lands Road 126
CountyBlount County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.56786, -83.84672
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length83 ft (25.3 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.8 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2019)
Projected traffic110 by 2039
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Forge Creek Road over Forge Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is Forge Creek Road over Forge 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 May 2024.

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

About 100 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Forge Creek Road over Forge Creek?

The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Forge Creek Road over Forge Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.