US Bridges

FAP 68 over Grassy Cove Creek

Fair

Cumberland County, Tennessee · 5.5 Mi.N. of Rhea Co. · Structure no. 18SR0680007

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
86 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,482
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 68 over Grassy Cove Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAP 68 over Grassy Cove Creek in Cumberland County, Tennessee. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 74 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 3,482 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,571 by 2042. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 88.9 mi (143 km).

CarriesFAP 68
CrossesGrassy Cove Creek
Location5.5 Mi.N. of Rhea Co.
RouteState Highway 68
Coordinates35.83509, -84.9156
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
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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,482 (2021)
Projected traffic5,571 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed88.9 mi (143 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$305,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 68 over Grassy Cove Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is FAP 68 over Grassy Cove 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does FAP 68 over Grassy Cove Creek carry?

About 3,482 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAP 68 over Grassy Cove Creek?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 68 over Grassy Cove Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.