US Bridges

FAS 173 over Simerly Creek

Fair

Carter County, Tennessee · 1.9 N of Stone Mt · Structure no. 10S23790003

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,386
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 173 over Simerly Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAS 173 over Simerly Creek in Carter County, Tennessee. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 1,386 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,222 by 2041. The structure is 45 ft (13.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 173
CrossesSimerly Creek
Location1.9 N of Stone Mt
RouteState Highway 173
CountyCarter County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.21366, -82.21159
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,386 (2021)
Projected traffic2,222 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 173 over Simerly Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 173 over Simerly 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 2023.

How much traffic does FAS 173 over Simerly Creek carry?

About 1,386 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 173 over Simerly Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns FAS 173 over Simerly Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.