US Bridges

Roaring Fork Motor over Rocky Spur Branch

Fair

Sevier County, Tennessee · 2.3 Miles from NPS Route · Structure no. 5460161P0000000

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

About this bridge

Roaring Fork Motor over Rocky Spur Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Roaring Fork Motor over Rocky Spur Branch 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 143 by 2039. The structure is 37 ft (11.2 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
CrossesRocky Spur Branch
Location2.3 Miles from NPS Route
RouteFederal Lands Road 502
CountySevier County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.68789, -83.46317
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating96 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length37 ft (11.2 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 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 traffic143 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$90,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Roaring Fork Motor over Rocky Spur Branch 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 Rocky Spur 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 Roaring Fork Motor over Rocky Spur Branch carry?

About 130 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Roaring Fork Motor over Rocky Spur Branch?

The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Roaring Fork Motor over Rocky Spur Branch?

It is owned by the National Park Service.