US Bridges

FAS 297 over Little Elk River

FairPosted for load

Campbell County, Tennessee · In Jellico Mt · Structure no. 07S23450009

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
88 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,009
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 297 over Little Elk River is a concrete tee beam carrying FAS 297 over Little Elk River in Campbell County, Tennessee. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,009 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,614 by 2042. The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

CarriesFAS 297
CrossesLittle Elk River
LocationIn Jellico Mt
RouteState Highway 297
Coordinates36.52782, -84.19707
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating26.5 US tons
Inventory rating20.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length88 ft (26.8 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,009 (2021)
Projected traffic1,614 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$263,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 297 over Little Elk River built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 297 over Little Elk River 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FAS 297 over Little Elk River carry?

About 1,009 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 297 over Little Elk River?

The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 297 over Little Elk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.