US Bridges

FAS 143 over Five Poplar Branch

Fair

Carter County, Tennessee · 3 M S of Roan Mt. · Structure no. 10SR1430001

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
551
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 143 over Five Poplar Branch is a steel culvert carrying FAS 143 over Five Poplar Branch in Carter County, Tennessee. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 551 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 453 by 2041. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 75.8 mi (122 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 143
CrossesFive Poplar Branch
Location3 M S of Roan Mt.
RouteState Highway 143
CountyCarter County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.14763, -82.1012
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic551 (2021)
Projected traffic453 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed75.8 mi (122 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$202,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 143 over Five Poplar Branch built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 143 over Five Poplar Branch 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 FAS 143 over Five Poplar Branch carry?

About 551 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 143 over Five Poplar Branch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 143 over Five Poplar Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.