US Bridges

FAS 73 over Sweetwater Creek

Fair

Cocke County, Tennessee · 1.1 M W of Pleasant Grove · Structure no. 15S24180003

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,549
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 73 over Sweetwater Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAS 73 over Sweetwater Creek in Cocke County, Tennessee. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 years old, younger 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 6 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 2,549 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,640 by 2039. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 73
CrossesSweetwater Creek
Location1.1 M W of Pleasant Grove
RouteState Highway 73
CountyCocke County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.90728, -83.16779
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,549 (2021)
Projected traffic4,640 by 2039
Trucks13%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 73 over Sweetwater Creek built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 73 over Sweetwater 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does FAS 73 over Sweetwater Creek carry?

About 2,549 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FAS 73 over Sweetwater Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 73 over Sweetwater Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.