US Bridges

FAS 173 over Simerly Creek

Fair

Carter County, Tennessee · 1.4 M SE of Tiger Valley · Structure no. 10S23790005

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
38 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 1950, so it is 75 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 1,386 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,222 by 2041. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 173
CrossesSimerly Creek
Location1.4 M SE of Tiger Valley
RouteState Highway 173
CountyCarter County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.21547, -82.21028
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 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 1950, making it 75 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 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns FAS 173 over Simerly Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.