US Bridges

FAP 26 over Fall Creek

Fair

DeKalb County, Tennessee · In Smithville · Structure no. 21SR0260015

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
69 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,677
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 26 over Fall Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAP 26 over Fall Creek in DeKalb County, Tennessee. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 12,677 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,283 by 2042. The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 26
CrossesFall Creek
LocationIn Smithville
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyDeKalb County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.95828, -85.82561
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.9 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length69 ft (21 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,677 (2021)
Projected traffic20,283 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 26 over Fall Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 26 over Fall 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 26 over Fall Creek carry?

About 12,677 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FAP 26 over Fall Creek?

The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns FAP 26 over Fall Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.