US Bridges

FAU 3 over Branch

Fair

Dyer County, Tennessee · Near Dyersburg · Structure no. 23SR0030011

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
65 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
11,811
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 3 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAU 3 over Branch in Dyer County, Tennessee. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 11,811 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,826 by 2042. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 84 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 59 mi (95 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 3
CrossesBranch
LocationNear Dyersburg
RouteState Highway 3
CountyDyer County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.05522, -89.35958
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width84 ft (25.6 m)
Roadway width81 ft (24.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,811 (2021)
Projected traffic15,826 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed59 mi (95 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 3 over Branch built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 3 over Branch 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 3 over Branch carry?

About 11,811 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FAU 3 over Branch?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 84 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 3 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.