US Bridges

FAP 48 over Sweetwater Branch

Fair

Lewis County, Tennessee · 3.2 Mi.E.Of Perry County · Structure no. 51SR0480001

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
47 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
615
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 48 over Sweetwater Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAP 48 over Sweetwater Branch in Lewis County, Tennessee. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 615 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 973 by 2041. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 48
CrossesSweetwater Branch
Location3.2 Mi.E.Of Perry County
RouteState Highway 48
CountyLewis County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.49457, -87.6631
Functional classRural 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic615 (2021)
Projected traffic973 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 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 FAP 48 over Sweetwater Branch built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 48 over Sweetwater 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 48 over Sweetwater Branch carry?

About 615 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAP 48 over Sweetwater Branch?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns FAP 48 over Sweetwater Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.