US Bridges

FAP 81 over Little Cherokee Creek

Good

Washington County, Tennessee · .1 M N JCT SR81&SR67 · Structure no. 90SR0810005

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,731
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 81 over Little Cherokee Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAP 81 over Little Cherokee Creek in Washington County, Tennessee. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,731 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,403 by 2042. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 81
CrossesLittle Cherokee Creek
Location.1 M N JCT SR81&SR67
RouteState Highway 81
CountyWashington County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.21517, -82.47211
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,731 (2021)
Projected traffic4,403 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$419,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 81 over Little Cherokee Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 81 over Little Cherokee Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 81 over Little Cherokee Creek carry?

About 2,731 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAP 81 over Little Cherokee Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns FAP 81 over Little Cherokee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.