US Bridges

FAP 26 over Branch

Fair

DeKalb County, Tennessee · In Liberty City Limits · Structure no. 21SR0260009

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,478
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 26 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAP 26 over Branch in DeKalb County, Tennessee. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 72 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.

It carries about 8,478 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,565 by 2042. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 57.2 mi (92 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 26
CrossesBranch
LocationIn Liberty City Limits
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyDeKalb County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.01337, -85.94503
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 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 traffic8,478 (2021)
Projected traffic13,565 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed57.2 mi (92 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$484,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 26 over Branch built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is FAP 26 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 26 over Branch carry?

About 8,478 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FAP 26 over Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns FAP 26 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.