US Bridges

FAU 5653 over Whites Creek

Fair

Knox County, Tennessee · 1.5 M E of SR33-SR331 JCT · Structure no. 470A0970001

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,191
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 5653 over Whites Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAU 5653 over Whites Creek in Knox 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 5 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 6,191 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,512 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 5653
CrossesWhites Creek
Location1.5 M E of SR33-SR331 JCT
RouteCity Street 5653
CountyKnox County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.03347, -83.90283
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating68.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,191 (2021)
Projected traffic8,512 by 2040
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$253,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 5653 over Whites Creek built?

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

What condition is FAU 5653 over Whites Creek 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does FAU 5653 over Whites Creek carry?

About 6,191 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is FAU 5653 over Whites Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 5653 over Whites Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.