US Bridges

FAS 344 over Holston River

Fair

Hawkins County, Tennessee · Melinda Ferry RD · Structure no. 37S23650001

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
694 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,894
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 344 over Holston River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAS 344 over Holston River in Hawkins County, Tennessee. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 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 1,894 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,030 by 2042. The structure is 694 ft (211.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 344
CrossesHolston River
LocationMelinda Ferry RD
RouteState Highway 344
CountyHawkins County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.36968, -83.08176
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.8 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length694 ft (211.4 m)
Longest span200 ft (60.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,894 (2021)
Projected traffic3,030 by 2042
Trucks3%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$7.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 344 over Holston River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 344 over Holston River 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 344 over Holston River carry?

About 1,894 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FAS 344 over Holston River?

The structure is 694 ft (211.4 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (60.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 344 over Holston River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.