US Bridges

FAS 96 over Center Hill Dam Spillway

Fair

DeKalb County, Tennessee · Center Hill Dam · Structure no. 21SR1410003

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
470 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
684
2018 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

FAS 96 over Center Hill Dam Spillway is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying FAS 96 over Center Hill Dam Spillway in DeKalb County, Tennessee. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1984, 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 684 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 820 by 2040. The structure is 470 ft (143.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 55.9 mi (90 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 96
CrossesCenter Hill Dam Spillway
LocationCenter Hill Dam
RouteState Highway 96
CountyDeKalb County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.13333, -85.86667
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating47.5 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length470 ft (143.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic684 (2018)
Projected traffic820 by 2040
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed55.9 mi (90 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Maintained byCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$5.8 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 96 over Center Hill Dam Spillway built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is FAS 96 over Center Hill Dam Spillway 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does FAS 96 over Center Hill Dam Spillway carry?

About 684 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FAS 96 over Center Hill Dam Spillway?

The structure is 470 ft (143.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 96 over Center Hill Dam Spillway?

It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil).