US Bridges

Newfound Gap Road over Cole Creek

Fair

Sevier County, Tennessee · 7.4 Miles South of Sugarl · Structure no. 5460005P0000000

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,364
2019 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Newfound Gap Road over Cole Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Newfound Gap Road over Cole Creek in Sevier County, Tennessee. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 2,364 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,600 by 2039. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 90.1 mi (145 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNewfound Gap Road
CrossesCole Creek
Location7.4 Miles South of Sugarl
RouteFederal Lands Road 10
CountySevier County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.63747, -83.465
Functional classRural Minor 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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,364 (2019)
Projected traffic2,600 by 2039
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed90.1 mi (145 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$120,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Newfound Gap Road over Cole Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is Newfound Gap Road over Cole Creek 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 Newfound Gap Road over Cole Creek carry?

About 2,364 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Newfound Gap Road over Cole Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Newfound Gap Road over Cole Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.