US Bridges

Fighting Creek Gap over Laurel Branch

Fair

Sevier County, Tennessee · 0.2 Miles East from NPS R · Structure no. 5460011P0000000

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,415
2019 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Fighting Creek Gap over Laurel Branch is a concrete arch - deck carrying Fighting Creek Gap over Laurel Branch in Sevier County, Tennessee. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 1,415 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,555 by 2039. The structure is 43 ft (13 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 55.3 mi (89 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFighting Creek Gap
CrossesLaurel Branch
Location0.2 Miles East from NPS R
RouteFederal Lands Road 13
CountySevier County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.66719, -83.59469
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; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13 m)
Longest span43 ft (13 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,415 (2019)
Projected traffic1,555 by 2039
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed55.3 mi (89 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$30,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fighting Creek Gap over Laurel Branch built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fighting Creek Gap over Laurel 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Fighting Creek Gap over Laurel Branch carry?

About 1,415 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Fighting Creek Gap over Laurel Branch?

The structure is 43 ft (13 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Fighting Creek Gap over Laurel Branch?

It is owned by the National Park Service.