US Bridges

FAP 159 over Row Branch

Fair

Carter County, Tennessee · 2 M E of Watauga River · Structure no. 10SR1590001

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,132
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 159 over Row Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAP 159 over Row Branch in Carter County, Tennessee. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 2,132 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,042 by 2041. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 72.1 mi (116 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 159
CrossesRow Branch
Location2 M E of Watauga River
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyCarter County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.29328, -82.0182
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width52 ft (16 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,132 (2021)
Projected traffic3,042 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed72.1 mi (116 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 FAP 159 over Row Branch built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 159 over Row Branch 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 FAP 159 over Row Branch carry?

About 2,132 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FAP 159 over Row Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 159 over Row Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.