US Bridges

FAP 67 over Watauga River

FairPosted for load

Carter County, Tennessee · 1.7 M SE of Milligan · Structure no. 10SR0670019

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel Continuous
Length
1,092 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,884
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 67 over Watauga River is a steel continuous truss - deck carrying FAP 67 over Watauga River in Carter County, Tennessee. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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 3,884 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,998 by 2042. The structure is 1,092 ft (332.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 65.9 mi (106 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 67
CrossesWatauga River
Location1.7 M SE of Milligan
RouteState Highway 67
CountyCarter County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.32885, -82.0419
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length1,092 ft (332.8 m)
Longest span492 ft (150 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,884 (2021)
Projected traffic5,998 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed65.9 mi (106 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$9.4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 67 over Watauga River built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 67 over Watauga 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 67 over Watauga River carry?

About 3,884 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FAP 67 over Watauga River?

The structure is 1,092 ft (332.8 m) long with a longest span of 492 ft (150 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 67 over Watauga River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.