US Bridges

FAU 169 over Third Creek

Fair

Knox County, Tennessee · Just W of I75-N of I40 Jc · Structure no. 47SR1690001

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,522
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 169 over Third Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAU 169 over Third Creek in Knox County, Tennessee. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger 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 13,522 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,517 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 169
CrossesThird Creek
LocationJust W of I75-N of I40 Jc
RouteState Highway 169
CountyKnox County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.96205, -83.97588
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,522 (2021)
Projected traffic24,517 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$614,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 169 over Third Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 169 over Third 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 169 over Third Creek carry?

About 13,522 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAU 169 over Third Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns FAU 169 over Third Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.