US Bridges

FAU 91 over Sinking Creek

Fair

Carter County, Tennessee · 2.15 Mi.W.Of Elizabethton · Structure no. 10SR0910001

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,583
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 91 over Sinking Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAU 91 over Sinking Creek in Carter County, Tennessee. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1966, so it is 98 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 6,583 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,166 by 2041. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 91
CrossesSinking Creek
Location2.15 Mi.W.Of Elizabethton
RouteState Highway 91
CountyCarter County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.32793, -82.30725
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
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,583 (2021)
Projected traffic10,166 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$874,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 91 over Sinking Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.

What condition is FAU 91 over Sinking 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 FAU 91 over Sinking Creek carry?

About 6,583 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAU 91 over Sinking Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 91 over Sinking Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.