US Bridges

FAU 3603 over Friar Branch

Fair

Hamilton County, Tennessee · In Chattanooga · Structure no. 33M36030001

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
51 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,101
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 3603 over Friar Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAU 3603 over Friar Branch in Hamilton County, Tennessee. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 9,101 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,562 by 2042. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 3603
CrossesFriar Branch
LocationIn Chattanooga
RouteCity Street 3603
CountyHamilton County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.05212, -85.16306
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.9 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,101 (2021)
Projected traffic14,562 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 3603 over Friar Branch built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 3603 over Friar Branch 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does FAU 3603 over Friar Branch carry?

About 9,101 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAU 3603 over Friar Branch?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 3603 over Friar Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.