US Bridges

FAU 36 over South Holston River

Fair

Sullivan County, Tennessee · 5 Mi.N.Of Washington Co. · Structure no. 82SR0360008

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
916 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
17,625
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 36 over South Holston River is a concrete arch - deck carrying FAU 36 over South Holston River in Sullivan County, Tennessee. It was built in 1930, 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 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 17,625 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 38,930 by 2041. The structure is 916 ft (279.1 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 36
CrossesSouth Holston River
Location5 Mi.N.Of Washington Co.
RouteU.S. Route 23
CountySullivan County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.49798, -82.51263
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+5 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length916 ft (279.1 m)
Longest span237 ft (72.2 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,625 (2021)
Projected traffic38,930 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$9.3 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 36 over South Holston River built?

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

What condition is FAU 36 over South Holston 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 36 over South Holston River carry?

About 17,625 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FAU 36 over South Holston River?

The structure is 916 ft (279.1 m) long with a longest span of 237 ft (72.2 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 36 over South Holston River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.