US Bridges

FAU 1 over Fourth Creek

Fair

Knox County, Tennessee · .2 M W of SR332 · Structure no. 47SR0010009

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
59 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,770
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 1 over Fourth Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAU 1 over Fourth Creek in Knox County, Tennessee. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 16,770 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,832 by 2042. The structure is 59 ft (18.1 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 1
CrossesFourth Creek
Location.2 M W of SR332
RouteU.S. Route 11
CountyKnox County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.9329, -84.002
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.7 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length59 ft (18.1 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.3 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width57 ft (17.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,770 (2021)
Projected traffic26,832 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$367,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 1 over Fourth Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 1 over Fourth 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 1 over Fourth Creek carry?

About 16,770 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FAU 1 over Fourth Creek?

The structure is 59 ft (18.1 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.3 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 1 over Fourth Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.