US Bridges

FAS 53 over Buffalo Creek

Good

Jackson County, Tennessee · Near Flynns Lick · Structure no. 44SR0530005

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,143
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 53 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAS 53 over Buffalo Creek in Jackson County, Tennessee. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 1,143 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,728 by 2041. The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 57.2 mi (92 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 53
CrossesBuffalo Creek
LocationNear Flynns Lick
RouteState Highway 53
CountyJackson County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.31778, -85.71233
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,143 (2021)
Projected traffic1,728 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed57.2 mi (92 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$101,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 53 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 53 over Buffalo 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does FAS 53 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 1,143 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FAS 53 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 53 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.