US Bridges

FAU 67 over SR-359 & Buffalo Creek

Fair

Carter County, Tennessee · Just SW of Elizabethton · Structure no. 10SR0670027

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
571 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
24,080
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 67 over SR-359 & Buffalo Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAU 67 over SR-359 & Buffalo Creek in Carter County, Tennessee. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 24,080 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,146 by 2041. The structure is 571 ft (174.1 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 65.9 mi (106 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 67
CrossesSR-359 & Buffalo Creek
LocationJust SW of Elizabethton
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyCarter County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.31867, -82.28126
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length571 ft (174.1 m)
Longest span141 ft (43.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,080 (2021)
Projected traffic34,146 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway, waterway and railroad
Detour if closed65.9 mi (106 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$2,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 67 over SR-359 & Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 67 over SR-359 & 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 67 over SR-359 & Buffalo Creek carry?

About 24,080 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FAU 67 over SR-359 & Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 571 ft (174.1 m) long with a longest span of 141 ft (43.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 67 over SR-359 & Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.