US Bridges

SR 291 over Rector Branch

Fair

Putnam County, Tennessee · 2 MI N of Baxter · Structure no. 71SR2910001

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,559
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 291 over Rector Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying SR 291 over Rector Branch in Putnam County, Tennessee. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 years old, younger 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 1,559 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,224 by 2040. The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 291
CrossesRector Branch
Location2 MI N of Baxter
RouteState Highway 291
CountyPutnam County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.18818, -85.61248
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,559 (2021)
Projected traffic2,224 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 291 over Rector Branch built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 291 over Rector Branch 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR 291 over Rector Branch carry?

About 1,559 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 291 over Rector Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SR 291 over Rector Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.