US Bridges

Powerhouse Access over Muddy Creek

Fair

Loudon County, Tennessee · Ft Loudoun Dam · Structure no. 530A1860001

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2021 count
Owner
Federal
Tennessee Valley Authority

About this bridge

Powerhouse Access over Muddy Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Powerhouse Access over Muddy Creek in Loudon County, Tennessee. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 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 50 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 60 by 2041. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesPowerhouse Access
CrossesMuddy Creek
LocationFt Loudoun Dam
RouteCounty Highway 188
CountyLoudon County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.79167, -84.2475
Functional classRural Local

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2021)
Projected traffic60 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Powerhouse Access over Muddy Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Powerhouse Access over Muddy 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Powerhouse Access over Muddy Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Powerhouse Access over Muddy Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m).

Who owns Powerhouse Access over Muddy Creek?

It is owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority.