US Bridges

FAP 9 over Sinking Creek

Fair

Cocke County, Tennessee · 1 M S of Wilsonville · Structure no. 15SR0090001

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
100 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
21,011
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 9 over Sinking Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAP 9 over Sinking Creek in Cocke County, Tennessee. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 70 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 21,011 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,114 by 2041. The structure is 100 ft (30.4 m) long and 84 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 9
CrossesSinking Creek
Location1 M S of Wilsonville
RouteU.S. Route 25
CountyCocke County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.97365, -83.23328
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 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 inspectionAugust 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length100 ft (30.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.7 m)
Deck width84 ft (25.5 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,011 (2021)
Projected traffic22,114 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.6 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 9 over Sinking Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is FAP 9 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 9 over Sinking Creek carry?

About 21,011 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FAP 9 over Sinking Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.7 m) and a deck 84 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 9 over Sinking Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.