US Bridges

FAS 87 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Lauderdale County, Tennessee · .9 M S of Peters RD · Structure no. 49SR0870017

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
51 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
278
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 87 over Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying FAS 87 over Branch in Lauderdale County, Tennessee. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 100 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 278 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 445 by 2042. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 87
CrossesBranch
Location.9 M S of Peters RD
RouteState Highway 87
CountyLauderdale County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.64539, -89.78809
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating22.5 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic278 (2021)
Projected traffic445 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$652,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 87 over Branch built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is FAS 87 over Branch 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does FAS 87 over Branch carry?

About 278 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 87 over Branch?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 87 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.