US Bridges

FAU 54 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Haywood County, Tennessee · .02 Mi.N.Of Brownsville · Structure no. 38SR0540003

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
51 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,875
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 54 over Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying FAU 54 over Branch in Haywood County, Tennessee. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,875 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2042. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.9 mi (61 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 54
CrossesBranch
Location.02 Mi.N.Of Brownsville
RouteState Highway 54
CountyHaywood County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.60989, -89.25681
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,875 (2021)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.9 mi (61 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$754,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 54 over Branch built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 54 over 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 54 over Branch carry?

About 1,875 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FAU 54 over Branch?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 54 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.