US Bridges

FAP 53 over Sycamore Creek

PoorPosted for load

DeKalb County, Tennessee · Decalb-Cannon Co. Line · Structure no. 21SR0530001

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
100 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
776
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 53 over Sycamore Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAP 53 over Sycamore Creek in DeKalb County, Tennessee. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 776 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,242 by 2042. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

CarriesFAP 53
CrossesSycamore Creek
LocationDecalb-Cannon Co. Line
RouteState Highway 53
Coordinates35.95317, -85.99735
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating24.7 US tons
Inventory rating19.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic776 (2021)
Projected traffic1,242 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$128,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 53 over Sycamore Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 53 over Sycamore Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 53 over Sycamore Creek carry?

About 776 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAP 53 over Sycamore Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 53 over Sycamore Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.