US Bridges

FAS 340 over Branch

PoorPosted for load

Hamblen County, Tennessee · 1 M SE of I81 · Structure no. 32S23580001

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,770
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 340 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAS 340 over Branch in Hamblen County, Tennessee. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,770 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,550 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 340
CrossesBranch
Location1 M SE of I81
RouteState Highway 340
CountyHamblen County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.20597, -83.18933
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating15.8 US tons
Inventory rating12.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,770 (2021)
Projected traffic2,550 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$244,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 340 over Branch built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 340 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does FAS 340 over Branch carry?

About 1,770 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 340 over Branch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 340 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.