US Bridges

FAU 359 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Carter County, Tennessee · In Johnson City · Structure no. 10SR0670001

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
132 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,010
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 359 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAU 359 over Buffalo Creek in Carter County, Tennessee. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 100 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 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 7,010 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,826 by 2041. The structure is 132 ft (40.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 359
CrossesBuffalo Creek
LocationIn Johnson City
RouteState Highway 359
CountyCarter County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.31815, -82.28073
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length132 ft (40.1 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,010 (2021)
Projected traffic10,826 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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$686,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 359 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is FAU 359 over Buffalo 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 359 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 7,010 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAU 359 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 132 ft (40.1 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 359 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.