US Bridges

FAS 168 over French Broad River

Fair

Knox County, Tennessee · .3 M E of Old French RD · Structure no. 47S25910007

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
470 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,216
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 168 over French Broad River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAS 168 over French Broad River in Knox County, Tennessee. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 12,216 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,520 by 2040. The structure is 470 ft (143.3 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 168
CrossesFrench Broad River
Location.3 M E of Old French RD
RouteState Highway 168
CountyKnox County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.95262, -83.80922
Functional classUrban 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length470 ft (143.3 m)
Longest span209 ft (63.6 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,216 (2021)
Projected traffic19,520 by 2040
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$3.1 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 168 over French Broad River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 168 over French Broad 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does FAS 168 over French Broad River carry?

About 12,216 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAS 168 over French Broad River?

The structure is 470 ft (143.3 m) long with a longest span of 209 ft (63.6 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 168 over French Broad River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.