US Bridges

FAP 49 over Big Bluff Creek

FairPosted for load

Cheatham County, Tennessee · 1.6 Mi.W.Of Cumberland Rv · Structure no. 11SR0490005

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
172 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,655
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 49 over Big Bluff Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAP 49 over Big Bluff Creek in Cheatham County, Tennessee. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 95 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5,655 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,493 by 2041. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 80.2 mi (129 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 49
CrossesBig Bluff Creek
Location1.6 Mi.W.Of Cumberland Rv
RouteState Highway 49
CountyCheatham County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.2801, -87.10177
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating23.6 US tons
Inventory rating18.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,655 (2021)
Projected traffic10,493 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed80.2 mi (129 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$1.6 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 49 over Big Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

What condition is FAP 49 over Big Bluff 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does FAP 49 over Big Bluff Creek carry?

About 5,655 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FAP 49 over Big Bluff Creek?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 49 over Big Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.