US Bridges

FAP 7 over Sinking Creek

GoodPosted for load

Giles County, Tennessee · .37.MI.S.OF Elkton · Structure no. 28SR0070005

Built
1922
103 years old, rebuilt 1941
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
133 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,214
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 7 over Sinking Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAP 7 over Sinking Creek in Giles County, Tennessee. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 1941, so it is 103 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5,214 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,342 by 2042. The structure is 133 ft (40.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 7
CrossesSinking Creek
Location.37.MI.S.OF Elkton
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyGiles County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.02885, -86.88268
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.3 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length133 ft (40.4 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,214 (2021)
Projected traffic8,342 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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$677,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 7 over Sinking Creek built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1941.

What condition is FAP 7 over Sinking Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 7 over Sinking Creek carry?

About 5,214 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FAP 7 over Sinking Creek?

The structure is 133 ft (40.4 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 7 over Sinking Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.