US Bridges

FAU 91 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Carter County, Tennessee · 1.4 M SE of Big Spring Gp · Structure no. 10SR0910003

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
88 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,334
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 91 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAU 91 over Buffalo Creek in Carter County, Tennessee. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 96 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 6,334 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,782 by 2041. The structure is 88 ft (26.7 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 91
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location1.4 M SE of Big Spring Gp
RouteState Highway 91
CountyCarter County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.32847, -82.27113
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionMay 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.7 US tons
Inventory rating27.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length88 ft (26.7 m)
Longest span43 ft (13 m)
Deck width62 ft (19 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,334 (2021)
Projected traffic9,782 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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$1.1 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 91 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is FAU 91 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 91 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 6,334 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAU 91 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 88 ft (26.7 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 91 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.