US Bridges

FAP 73 over Tellico Lake & SR-444

Fair

Loudon County, Tennessee · 5 Mi.W.Of Blount Co. · Structure no. 53SR0950009

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,062 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
13,140
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 73 over Tellico Lake & SR-444 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAP 73 over Tellico Lake & SR-444 in Loudon County, Tennessee. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 13,140 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,024 by 2042. The structure is 1,062 ft (323.7 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 65.2 mi (105 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 73
CrossesTellico Lake & SR-444
Location5 Mi.W.Of Blount Co.
RouteState Highway 73
CountyLoudon County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.7802, -84.24265
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.4 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,062 ft (323.7 m)
Longest span264 ft (80.5 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,140 (2021)
Projected traffic21,024 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed65.2 mi (105 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$17 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 73 over Tellico Lake & SR-444 built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 73 over Tellico Lake & SR-444 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 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 73 over Tellico Lake & SR-444 carry?

About 13,140 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FAP 73 over Tellico Lake & SR-444?

The structure is 1,062 ft (323.7 m) long with a longest span of 264 ft (80.5 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 73 over Tellico Lake & SR-444?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.