US Bridges

FAP 56 over Caney Fork River

Fair

DeKalb County, Tennessee · At Pedigo Ridge Rd. · Structure no. 21SR0560007

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel Continuous
Length
1,787 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,861
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 56 over Caney Fork River is a steel continuous truss - deck carrying FAP 56 over Caney Fork River in DeKalb County, Tennessee. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 76 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 3,861 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,178 by 2042. The structure is 1,787 ft (544.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 56
CrossesCaney Fork River
LocationAt Pedigo Ridge Rd.
RouteState Highway 56
CountyDeKalb County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.02885, -85.74168
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+4 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length1,787 ft (544.7 m)
Longest span387 ft (118 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,861 (2021)
Projected traffic6,178 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 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$2,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 56 over Caney Fork River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is FAP 56 over Caney Fork River 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 56 over Caney Fork River carry?

About 3,861 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAP 56 over Caney Fork River?

The structure is 1,787 ft (544.7 m) long with a longest span of 387 ft (118 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 56 over Caney Fork River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.