US Bridges

FAS 346 over Sinking Creek

Fair

Hawkins County, Tennessee · 1.3 M N of Surgoinsville · Structure no. 37013620003

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,129
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 346 over Sinking Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAS 346 over Sinking Creek in Hawkins County, Tennessee. It was built in 1923, so it is 102 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 1,129 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,544 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 346
CrossesSinking Creek
Location1.3 M N of Surgoinsville
RouteState Highway 346
CountyHawkins County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.45727, -82.89516
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,129 (2021)
Projected traffic2,544 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$206,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 346 over Sinking Creek built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 346 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 2024.

How much traffic does FAS 346 over Sinking Creek carry?

About 1,129 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 346 over Sinking Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 346 over Sinking Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.