US Bridges

FAS 173 over North Indian Creek

Fair

Unicoi County, Tennessee · 2.2 M SW of Carter CO LN · Structure no. 86S23790001

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,232
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 173 over North Indian Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAS 173 over North Indian Creek in Unicoi County, Tennessee. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 1,232 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,208 by 2040. The structure is 45 ft (13.8 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesFAS 173
CrossesNorth Indian Creek
Location2.2 M SW of Carter CO LN
RouteState Highway 173
Coordinates36.17977, -82.26196
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length45 ft (13.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,232 (2021)
Projected traffic2,208 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 173 over North Indian Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 173 over North Indian 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does FAS 173 over North Indian Creek carry?

About 1,232 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 173 over North Indian Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 173 over North Indian Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.