US Bridges

FAU 168 over Loves Creek

Fair

Knox County, Tennessee · In Knoxville · Structure no. 47SR0090005

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1956
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
67 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,098
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 168 over Loves Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAU 168 over Loves Creek in Knox County, Tennessee. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1956, so it is 94 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 6 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 10,098 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,157 by 2042. The structure is 67 ft (20.5 m) long and 99 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 168
CrossesLoves Creek
LocationIn Knoxville
RouteU.S. Route 25
CountyKnox County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.00992, -83.8435
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length67 ft (20.5 m)
Longest span23 ft (6.9 m)
Deck width99 ft (30.1 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,098 (2021)
Projected traffic16,157 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 168 over Loves Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1956.

What condition is FAU 168 over Loves 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does FAU 168 over Loves Creek carry?

About 10,098 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FAU 168 over Loves Creek?

The structure is 67 ft (20.5 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (6.9 m) and a deck 99 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 168 over Loves Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.