US Bridges

FAS 347 over Palmer Branch

Poor

Hawkins County, Tennessee · .1 M E of New Hope · Structure no. 37S23670005

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
761
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 347 over Palmer Branch is a steel culvert carrying FAS 347 over Palmer Branch in Hawkins County, Tennessee. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 761 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,218 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 347
CrossesPalmer Branch
Location.1 M E of New Hope
RouteState Highway 347
CountyHawkins County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.39728, -82.86121
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.4 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic761 (2021)
Projected traffic1,218 by 2042
Trucks5%
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$179,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 347 over Palmer Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 347 over Palmer Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does FAS 347 over Palmer Branch carry?

About 761 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 347 over Palmer Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 347 over Palmer Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.