US Bridges

FAP 66 over French Broad River

Fair

Sevier County, Tennessee · 1.6 MI S JCT SR139 · Structure no. 78SR0660003

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
772 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
44,996
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 66 over French Broad River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAP 66 over French Broad River in Sevier County, Tennessee. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 57 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 5 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 44,996 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 71,994 by 2042. The structure is 772 ft (235.3 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.3 mi (68 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 66
CrossesFrench Broad River
Location1.6 MI S JCT SR139
RouteState Highway 66
CountySevier County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.93685, -83.58318
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.7 US tons
Inventory rating25.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length772 ft (235.3 m)
Longest span192 ft (58.5 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44,996 (2021)
Projected traffic71,994 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.3 mi (68 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$8.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 66 over French Broad River built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is FAP 66 over French Broad River 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 66 over French Broad River carry?

About 44,996 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FAP 66 over French Broad River?

The structure is 772 ft (235.3 m) long with a longest span of 192 ft (58.5 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 66 over French Broad River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.