FAP 53 over Smith Fork Creek
PoorPosted for loadDeKalb County, Tennessee · In Liberty City Limits · Structure no. 21SR0530005
- Built
- 1948
- 77 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected October 2023
- Type
- Tee Beam
- Concrete
- Length
- 228 ft
- 7 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 1,370
- 2021 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
FAP 53 over Smith Fork Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAP 53 over Smith Fork Creek in DeKalb County, Tennessee. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 1,370 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,192 by 2042. The structure is 228 ft (69.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was FAP 53 over Smith Fork Creek built?
It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.
What condition is FAP 53 over Smith Fork 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 Smith Fork Creek carry?
About 1,370 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.
How long is FAP 53 over Smith Fork Creek?
The structure is 228 ft (69.6 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.
Who owns FAP 53 over Smith Fork Creek?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.