US Bridges

FAS 50 over Elk River

Fair

Franklin County, Tennessee · Near Grundy Co. Line · Structure no. 26SR0500001

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
547 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,339
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 50 over Elk River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAS 50 over Elk River in Franklin County, Tennessee. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 75 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 1,339 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,171 by 2042. The structure is 547 ft (166.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.2 mi (76 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 50
CrossesElk River
LocationNear Grundy Co. Line
RouteState Highway 50
CountyFranklin County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.19212, -86.28085
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 inspectionJune 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating32.5 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+12 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length547 ft (166.6 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,339 (2021)
Projected traffic2,171 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed47.2 mi (76 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 50 over Elk River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is FAS 50 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does FAS 50 over Elk River carry?

About 1,339 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 50 over Elk River?

The structure is 547 ft (166.6 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 50 over Elk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.