US Bridges

FAS 163 over Conasauga Creek

PoorPosted for load

McMinn County, Tennessee · .6 Mi.N.Of Polk Co.Line · Structure no. 54SR1630011

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
300 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
1,862
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 163 over Conasauga Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAS 163 over Conasauga Creek in McMinn County, Tennessee. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,862 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,979 by 2042. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

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CarriesFAS 163
CrossesConasauga Creek
Location.6 Mi.N.Of Polk Co.Line
RouteState Highway 163
CountyMcMinn County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.27141, -84.57802
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating31.1 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadH 15
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,862 (2021)
Projected traffic2,979 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 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$2.2 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 163 over Conasauga Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 163 over Conasauga Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does FAS 163 over Conasauga Creek carry?

About 1,862 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 163 over Conasauga Creek?

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 163 over Conasauga Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.