US Bridges

FAS 203 over Nichols Branch

Fair

Hardin County, Tennessee · 2 M NE of Germany Br · Structure no. 36S61940013

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
436
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 203 over Nichols Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAS 203 over Nichols Branch in Hardin County, Tennessee. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 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 436 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 698 by 2042. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 203
CrossesNichols Branch
Location2 M NE of Germany Br
RouteState Highway 203
CountyHardin County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.12867, -87.99683
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating89.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.8 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic436 (2021)
Projected traffic698 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 203 over Nichols Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 203 over Nichols 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does FAS 203 over Nichols Branch carry?

About 436 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 203 over Nichols Branch?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.8 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 203 over Nichols Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.