US Bridges

FAU 3615 over Chattanooga Creek

PoorPosted for load

Hamilton County, Tennessee · 0.1 MI of Ga Tn ST Li · Structure no. 33M36150001

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
170 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,594
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 3615 over Chattanooga Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAU 3615 over Chattanooga Creek in Hamilton County, Tennessee. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 5,594 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,203 by 2041. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 3615
CrossesChattanooga Creek
Location0.1 MI of Ga Tn ST Li
RouteCity Street 3615
CountyHamilton County
StateTennessee
Coordinates34.98518, -85.31052
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.4 US tons
Inventory rating27.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,594 (2021)
Projected traffic8,203 by 2041
Trucks3%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$700,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 3615 over Chattanooga Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 3615 over Chattanooga Creek 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 3615 over Chattanooga Creek carry?

About 5,594 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FAU 3615 over Chattanooga Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 3615 over Chattanooga Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.