US Bridges

FAU 38 over Black Creek

Good

Hamilton County, Tennessee · 0.74 Mi. S of SR-2 Jct. · Structure no. 33SR0380003

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
89 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,036
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 38 over Black Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAU 38 over Black Creek in Hamilton County, Tennessee. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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.

It carries about 5,036 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,240 by 2041. The structure is 89 ft (27 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesFAU 38
CrossesBlack Creek
Location0.74 Mi. S of SR-2 Jct.
RouteU.S. Route 11
Coordinates35.0112, -85.38876
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 rating57.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length89 ft (27 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width9 ft (2.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,036 (2021)
Projected traffic8,240 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$583,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 38 over Black Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 38 over Black 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does FAU 38 over Black Creek carry?

About 5,036 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAU 38 over Black Creek?

The structure is 89 ft (27 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 38 over Black Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.