US Bridges

FAP 53 over Roaring River

FairPosted for load

Jackson County, Tennessee · 3 Mi. N. of Gainsboro · Structure no. 44SR0530015

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
700 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,137
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 53 over Roaring River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying FAP 53 over Roaring River in Jackson County, Tennessee. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 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 3,137 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,019 by 2042. The structure is 700 ft (213.4 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.2 mi (84 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 53
CrossesRoaring River
Location3 Mi. N. of Gainsboro
RouteState Highway 53
CountyJackson County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.37413, -85.64622
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length700 ft (213.4 m)
Longest span235 ft (71.6 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,137 (2021)
Projected traffic5,019 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed52.2 mi (84 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$14.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 53 over Roaring River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 53 over Roaring River 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 53 over Roaring River carry?

About 3,137 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FAP 53 over Roaring River?

The structure is 700 ft (213.4 m) long with a longest span of 235 ft (71.6 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 53 over Roaring River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.