US Bridges

FAP 73 over Roaring Fork Creek

Fair

Sevier County, Tennessee · In Gatlinburg · Structure no. 78SR0730013

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
68 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,990
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 73 over Roaring Fork Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAP 73 over Roaring Fork Creek in Sevier County, Tennessee. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 15,990 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,280 by 2041. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 73
CrossesRoaring Fork Creek
LocationIn Gatlinburg
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountySevier County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.71703, -83.50227
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,990 (2021)
Projected traffic23,280 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$1 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 73 over Roaring Fork Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 73 over Roaring Fork Creek 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 73 over Roaring Fork Creek carry?

About 15,990 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FAP 73 over Roaring Fork Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns FAP 73 over Roaring Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.