US Bridges

FAP 81 over Cherokee Creek

Fair

Washington County, Tennessee · 1.9 M N JCT SR81&SR67 · Structure no. 90SR0810011

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
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 Cherokee Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAP 81 over Cherokee Creek in Washington County, Tennessee. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 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 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 and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 81
CrossesCherokee Creek
Location1.9 M N JCT SR81&SR67
RouteState Highway 81
CountyWashington County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.2372, -82.46416
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,731 (2021)
Projected traffic4,403 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 81 over Cherokee Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 81 over Cherokee 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 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 81 over Cherokee Creek carry?

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

How long is FAP 81 over Cherokee Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 81 over Cherokee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.