US Bridges

FAU 36 over Sinking Creek

Fair

Sullivan County, Tennessee · 1 Mi.N.Of Washington Co. · Structure no. 82SR0360001

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1964
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
107 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,621
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 36 over Sinking Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAU 36 over Sinking Creek in Sullivan County, Tennessee. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1964, so it is 95 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 9,621 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,413 by 2041. The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 32.9 mi (53 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 36
CrossesSinking Creek
Location1 Mi.N.Of Washington Co.
RouteU.S. Route 23
CountySullivan County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.45913, -82.47
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.6 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length107 ft (32.6 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,621 (2021)
Projected traffic14,413 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed32.9 mi (53 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$428,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 36 over Sinking Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1964.

What condition is FAU 36 over Sinking 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 36 over Sinking Creek carry?

About 9,621 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FAU 36 over Sinking Creek?

The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 36 over Sinking Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.