US Bridges

FAS 279 over Elk River

Fair

Franklin County, Tennessee · 1.5 Mi.N.E. of Estill Spr · Structure no. 26S44060001

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
354 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
943
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 279 over Elk River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAS 279 over Elk River in Franklin County, Tennessee. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 943 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,504 by 2042. The structure is 354 ft (108 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 279
CrossesElk River
Location1.5 Mi.N.E. of Estill Spr
RouteState Highway 279
CountyFranklin County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.28604, -86.10599
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry4: 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 rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length354 ft (108 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic943 (2021)
Projected traffic1,504 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$511,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 279 over Elk River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 279 over Elk 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does FAS 279 over Elk River carry?

About 943 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 279 over Elk River?

The structure is 354 ft (108 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 279 over Elk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.