US Bridges

Roaring Fork Motor over Roaring Fork

Fair

Sevier County, Tennessee · 4.0 Miles from NPS Route · Structure no. 5460055P0000000

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
73 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
130
2019 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Roaring Fork Motor over Roaring Fork is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Roaring Fork Motor over Roaring Fork in Sevier County, Tennessee. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 62 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 130 vehicles a day, projected to reach 145 by 2039. The structure is 73 ft (22.1 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoaring Fork Motor
CrossesRoaring Fork
Location4.0 Miles from NPS Route
RouteFederal Lands Road 502
CountySevier County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.70908, -83.47192
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating79 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length73 ft (22.1 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.1 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.8 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic130 (2019)
Projected traffic145 by 2039
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$135,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Roaring Fork Motor over Roaring Fork built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is Roaring Fork Motor over Roaring Fork 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 Roaring Fork Motor over Roaring Fork carry?

About 130 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Roaring Fork Motor over Roaring Fork?

The structure is 73 ft (22.1 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.1 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Roaring Fork Motor over Roaring Fork?

It is owned by the National Park Service.