US Bridges

NFSR 217 over Sugar Cove Br.

Fair

Monroe County, Tennessee · Sugar Cove Branch · Structure no. 080404000001025

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

NFSR 217 over Sugar Cove Br. is a steel culvert carrying NFSR 217 over Sugar Cove Br. in Monroe County, Tennessee. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNFSR 217
CrossesSugar Cove Br.
LocationSugar Cove Branch
RouteFederal Lands Road 217
CountyMonroe County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.33094, -84.06331
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating25 US tons
Inventory rating19.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.6 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (—)
Projected traffic75 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NFSR 217 over Sugar Cove Br. built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is NFSR 217 over Sugar Cove Br. 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does NFSR 217 over Sugar Cove Br. carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is NFSR 217 over Sugar Cove Br.?

The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.6 m).

Who owns NFSR 217 over Sugar Cove Br.?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.