US Bridges

FAP 7 over Buchanan Creek

FairPosted for load

Giles County, Tennessee · 4.9 Mi.Nw.Of Elkton · Structure no. 28SR0070017

Built
1921
104 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
122 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,416
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 7 over Buchanan Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAP 7 over Buchanan Creek in Giles County, Tennessee. It was built in 1921 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 104 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 4,416 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,066 by 2042. The structure is 122 ft (37.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 7
CrossesBuchanan Creek
Location4.9 Mi.Nw.Of Elkton
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyGiles County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.1203, -86.97446
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating21.8 US tons
Inventory rating16.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length122 ft (37.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.4 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,416 (2021)
Projected traffic7,066 by 2042
Trucks6%
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$347,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 7 over Buchanan Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is FAP 7 over Buchanan 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 7 over Buchanan Creek carry?

About 4,416 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FAP 7 over Buchanan Creek?

The structure is 122 ft (37.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.4 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 7 over Buchanan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.