US Bridges

FAU 168 over SR71 / Chapman Hwy.

Fair

Knox County, Tennessee · 5 Mi.Se.Tennessee River · Structure no. 47SR0710005

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
Prestressed Concrete
Length
226 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16,617
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 168 over SR71 / Chapman Hwy. is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - single or spread carrying FAU 168 over SR71 / Chapman Hwy. in Knox County, Tennessee. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 16,617 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,587 by 2042. The structure is 226 ft (68.8 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 168
CrossesSR71 / Chapman Hwy.
Location5 Mi.Se.Tennessee River
RouteState Highway 168
CountyKnox County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.90747, -83.84025
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length226 ft (68.8 m)
Longest span125 ft (38 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,617 (2021)
Projected traffic26,587 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 168 over SR71 / Chapman Hwy. built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 168 over SR71 / Chapman Hwy. 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 SR71 / Chapman Hwy. carry?

About 16,617 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAU 168 over SR71 / Chapman Hwy.?

The structure is 226 ft (68.8 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 168 over SR71 / Chapman Hwy.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.