US Bridges

FAP 81 over Branch

Fair

Unicoi County, Tennessee · 4.53 MI from Nc/Tn ST LN · Structure no. 86SR0810013

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,379
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 81 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FAP 81 over Branch in Unicoi County, Tennessee. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 years old, younger 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 4,379 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,240 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 4.3 mi (7 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 81
CrossesBranch
Location4.53 MI from Nc/Tn ST LN
RouteState Highway 81
CountyUnicoi County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.14695, -82.43467
Functional classUrban 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.8 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.8 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,379 (2021)
Projected traffic8,240 by 2040
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed4.3 mi (7 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 81 over Branch built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 81 over Branch 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 FAP 81 over Branch carry?

About 4,379 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAP 81 over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 81 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.