US Bridges

FAU 45 over Little Creek

Fair

Davidson County, Tennessee · Between I24 & SR-11 · Structure no. 19E00150005

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

About this bridge

FAU 45 over Little Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAU 45 over Little Creek 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 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 45
CrossesLittle Creek
LocationBetween I24 & SR-11
RouteState Highway 45
CountyDavidson County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.27867, -86.77351
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
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.7 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$335,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 45 over Little Creek built?

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

What condition is FAU 45 over Little 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 45 over Little Creek carry?

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

How long is FAU 45 over Little Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns FAU 45 over Little Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.