US Bridges

FAP 9 over Sinking Creek

Fair

Cocke County, Tennessee · 2 M SW of Newport · Structure no. 15SR0090005

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
118 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
19,151
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 9 over Sinking Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAP 9 over Sinking Creek in Cocke County, Tennessee. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1976, so it is 96 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 19,151 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,642 by 2042. The structure is 118 ft (36.1 m) long and 82 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 9
CrossesSinking Creek
Location2 M SW of Newport
RouteU.S. Route 25
CountyCocke County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.97108, -83.2098
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length118 ft (36.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.4 m)
Deck width82 ft (25 m)
Roadway width79 ft (24 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,151 (2021)
Projected traffic30,642 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$986,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 9 over Sinking Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

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 19,151 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FAP 9 over Sinking Creek?

The structure is 118 ft (36.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.4 m) and a deck 82 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 9 over Sinking Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.