US Bridges

FAP 81 over Nolichucky River

PoorClosed to traffic

Washington County, Tennessee · .5 M S JCT SR67&SR81 · Structure no. 90SR0810003

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
343 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
4,903
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 81 over Nolichucky River is a concrete tee beam carrying FAP 81 over Nolichucky River in Washington County, Tennessee. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 0 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 4,903 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,845 by 2042. The structure is 343 ft (104.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

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CarriesFAP 81
CrossesNolichucky River
Location.5 M S JCT SR67&SR81
RouteState Highway 81
CountyWashington County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.20632, -82.47298
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Superstructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Substructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Channel and channel protection0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourScour critical; bridge has failed and is closed
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length343 ft (104.4 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,903 (2021)
Projected traffic7,845 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$898,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 81 over Nolichucky River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 81 over Nolichucky River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 81 over Nolichucky River carry?

About 4,903 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FAP 81 over Nolichucky River?

The structure is 343 ft (104.4 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 81 over Nolichucky River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.