US Bridges

FAS 400 over Watauga River & A045

Fair

Carter County, Tennessee · In Watauga · Structure no. 10S23800001

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
551 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
6,696
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 400 over Watauga River & A045 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAS 400 over Watauga River & A045 in Carter County, Tennessee. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 6,696 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,467 by 2041. The structure is 551 ft (168 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 400
CrossesWatauga River & A045
LocationIn Watauga
RouteState Highway 400
CountyCarter County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.36968, -82.2996
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length551 ft (168 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.8 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,696 (2021)
Projected traffic9,467 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$2 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 400 over Watauga River & A045 built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 400 over Watauga River & A045 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 2023.

How much traffic does FAS 400 over Watauga River & A045 carry?

About 6,696 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAS 400 over Watauga River & A045?

The structure is 551 ft (168 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.8 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 400 over Watauga River & A045?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.