US Bridges

SR 68 over Tennessee River

Fair

Rhea County, Tennessee · On Watts Bar Dam · Structure no. 72SR0680009

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
2,360 ft
20 main spans
Daily traffic
5,270
2021 count
Owner
Federal
Tennessee Valley Authority

About this bridge

SR 68 over Tennessee River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying SR 68 over Tennessee River in Rhea County, Tennessee. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 2005, so it is 69 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 5,270 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,500 by 2041. The structure is 2,360 ft (719.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 32.9 mi (53 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 68
CrossesTennessee River
LocationOn Watts Bar Dam
RouteState Highway 68
CountyRhea County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.62278, -84.77806
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.6 US tons
Inventory rating32.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans20 (+5 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length2,360 ft (719.3 m)
Longest span161 ft (49.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,270 (2021)
Projected traffic7,500 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed32.9 mi (53 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTennessee Valley Authority
Maintained byTennessee Valley Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 68 over Tennessee River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is SR 68 over Tennessee 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SR 68 over Tennessee River carry?

About 5,270 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 68 over Tennessee River?

The structure is 2,360 ft (719.3 m) long with a longest span of 161 ft (49.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 68 over Tennessee River?

It is owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority.