US Bridges

FAP 72 over Polecat Creek

Good

Loudon County, Tennessee · 1.02 Mi.E.Of Roane Co. · Structure no. 53SR0720015

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2025
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
99 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,014
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 72 over Polecat Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying FAP 72 over Polecat Creek in Loudon 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,014 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,534 by 2041. The structure is 99 ft (30.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 77.1 mi (124 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 72
CrossesPolecat Creek
Location1.02 Mi.E.Of Roane Co.
RouteState Highway 72
CountyLoudon County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.72748, -84.46768
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.5 US tons
Inventory rating33.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length99 ft (30.3 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,014 (2021)
Projected traffic2,534 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed77.1 mi (124 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$778,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 72 over Polecat Creek built?

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

What condition is FAP 72 over Polecat Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2025.

How much traffic does FAP 72 over Polecat Creek carry?

About 2,014 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAP 72 over Polecat Creek?

The structure is 99 ft (30.3 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 72 over Polecat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.