US Bridges

SB Gatlinburg Spur over Norton Creek

Poor

Sevier County, Tennessee · 1.2 Miles North from NPS · Structure no. 5460088P0000000

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,342
2019 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

SB Gatlinburg Spur over Norton Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SB Gatlinburg Spur over Norton Creek in Sevier County, Tennessee. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 4,342 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,777 by 2039. The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSB Gatlinburg Spur
CrossesNorton Creek
Location1.2 Miles North from NPS
RouteFederal Lands Road 11
CountySevier County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.73956, -83.52361
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (8 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,342 (2019)
Projected traffic4,777 by 2039
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$105,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SB Gatlinburg Spur over Norton Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is SB Gatlinburg Spur over Norton Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does SB Gatlinburg Spur over Norton Creek carry?

About 4,342 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SB Gatlinburg Spur over Norton Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns SB Gatlinburg Spur over Norton Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.