US Bridges

FAS 46 over Branch

Poor

Dickson County, Tennessee · 4.3 Mi.N.W.Of Pond Switch · Structure no. 22003430003

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,242
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 46 over Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying FAS 46 over Branch in Dickson County, Tennessee. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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: open, posting recommended but not legally implemented.

It carries about 2,242 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,587 by 2042. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesFAS 46
CrossesBranch
Location4.3 Mi.N.W.Of Pond Switch
RouteState Highway 46
Coordinates36.12435, -87.49319
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, posting recommended but not legally implemented
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,242 (2021)
Projected traffic3,587 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$808,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 46 over Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 46 over Branch 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does FAS 46 over Branch carry?

About 2,242 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 46 over Branch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 46 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.