US Bridges

FAP 43 over Bear Creek

Fair

Gibson County, Tennessee · In Idlewild City Limits · Structure no. 27SR0430033

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
68 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,348
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 43 over Bear Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAP 43 over Bear Creek in Gibson County, Tennessee. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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 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 6,348 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,776 by 2042. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.9 mi (69 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 43
CrossesBear Creek
LocationIn Idlewild City Limits
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyGibson County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.0322, -88.81216
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,348 (2021)
Projected traffic9,776 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.9 mi (69 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$922,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 43 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 43 over Bear Creek 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 FAP 43 over Bear Creek carry?

About 6,348 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FAP 43 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.5 m).

Who owns FAP 43 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.