US Bridges

FAS 242 over Water Fork Creek

Fair

Lawrence County, Tennessee · 3.8 Nw.Of Crossroads · Structure no. 50S62310005

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
47 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
643
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 242 over Water Fork Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAS 242 over Water Fork Creek in Lawrence County, Tennessee. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 643 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 939 by 2041. The structure is 47 ft (14.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 242
CrossesWater Fork Creek
Location3.8 Nw.Of Crossroads
RouteState Highway 242
CountyLawrence County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.36231, -87.37376
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
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length47 ft (14.2 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic643 (2021)
Projected traffic939 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 242 over Water Fork Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 242 over Water Fork 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FAS 242 over Water Fork Creek carry?

About 643 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAS 242 over Water Fork Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.2 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 242 over Water Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.