US Bridges

FAP 56 over Fall Creek

Poor

DeKalb County, Tennessee · In Smithville City Limits · Structure no. 21SR0560005

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,573
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 56 over Fall Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAP 56 over Fall Creek in DeKalb County, Tennessee. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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.

It carries about 6,573 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,517 by 2042. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 56
CrossesFall Creek
LocationIn Smithville City Limits
RouteState Highway 56
CountyDeKalb County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.96305, -85.81
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: 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 rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 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 traffic6,573 (2021)
Projected traffic10,517 by 2042
Trucks5%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 56 over Fall Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 56 over Fall 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 56 over Fall Creek carry?

About 6,573 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAP 56 over Fall Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns FAP 56 over Fall Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.