US Bridges

SR 444 over Little Tennessee River

Fair

Loudon County, Tennessee · Below Tellico Dam · Structure no. 53012490001

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
465 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
9,302
2021 count
Owner
Federal
Tennessee Valley Authority

About this bridge

SR 444 over Little Tennessee River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 444 over Little Tennessee River in Loudon County, Tennessee. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 6 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 9,302 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,000 by 2041. The structure is 465 ft (141.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 444
CrossesLittle Tennessee River
LocationBelow Tellico Dam
RouteState Highway 444
CountyLoudon County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.78056, -84.25778
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating57.1 US tons
Inventory rating34.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length465 ft (141.7 m)
Longest span104 ft (31.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,302 (2021)
Projected traffic15,000 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTennessee Valley Authority
Maintained byTennessee Valley Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 444 over Little Tennessee River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 444 over Little Tennessee 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SR 444 over Little Tennessee River carry?

About 9,302 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 444 over Little Tennessee River?

The structure is 465 ft (141.7 m) long with a longest span of 104 ft (31.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 444 over Little Tennessee River?

It is owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority.