US Bridges

Parson Branch Road over Parson Branch

Fair

Blount County, Tennessee · 0.2 Miles from U.S. Route · Structure no. 5460038P0000000

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1
2019 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Parson Branch Road over Parson Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Parson Branch Road over Parson Branch in Blount County, Tennessee. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 70 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 1 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2 by 2039. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 11 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

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CarriesParson Branch Road
CrossesParson Branch
Location0.2 Miles from U.S. Route
RouteFederal Lands Road 164
CountyBlount County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.5, -83.93111
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width11 ft (3.5 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1 (2019)
Projected traffic2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$23,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Parson Branch Road over Parson Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is Parson Branch Road over Parson 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Parson Branch Road over Parson Branch carry?

About 1 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Parson Branch Road over Parson Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 11 ft wide.

Who owns Parson Branch Road over Parson Branch?

It is owned by the National Park Service.