US Bridges

FAP 68 over Hiwassee River

FairPosted for load

Polk County, Tennessee · 1 Mile North of Farner · Structure no. 70SR0680005

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
512 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
1,032
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 68 over Hiwassee River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAP 68 over Hiwassee River in Polk County, Tennessee. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,032 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,651 by 2042. The structure is 512 ft (156.1 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 68
CrossesHiwassee River
Location1 Mile North of Farner
RouteState Highway 68
CountyPolk County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.16792, -84.31786
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.5 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length512 ft (156.1 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,032 (2021)
Projected traffic1,651 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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$3.9 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 68 over Hiwassee River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 68 over Hiwassee River 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does FAP 68 over Hiwassee River carry?

About 1,032 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAP 68 over Hiwassee River?

The structure is 512 ft (156.1 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 68 over Hiwassee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.