US Bridges

FAP 73 over Dudley Creek

Fair

Sevier County, Tennessee · In Gatlinburg · Structure no. 78SR0730015

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
65 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,990
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 73 over Dudley Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAP 73 over Dudley Creek in Sevier County, Tennessee. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1986, 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 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 15,990 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,280 by 2041. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 73
CrossesDudley Creek
LocationIn Gatlinburg
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountySevier County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.72257, -83.49648
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 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 structure5
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$1.1 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 73 over Dudley Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is FAP 73 over Dudley 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 Dudley Creek carry?

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

How long is FAP 73 over Dudley Creek?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns FAP 73 over Dudley Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.