US Bridges

FAU 45 over Branch

Fair

Davidson County, Tennessee · Between I24 & SR 11 · Structure no. 19E00150003

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
12,530
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 45 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAU 45 over Branch in Davidson County, Tennessee. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 12,530 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,747 by 2041. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesFAU 45
CrossesBranch
LocationBetween I24 & SR 11
RouteState Highway 45
Coordinates36.27867, -86.78672
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.5 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,530 (2021)
Projected traffic17,747 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$197,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 45 over Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 45 over 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 45 over Branch carry?

About 12,530 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FAU 45 over Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 45 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.