US Bridges

FAP 48 over Sweetwater Branch

FairPosted for load

Lewis County, Tennessee · 4.9 Mi.E.Of Perry County · Structure no. 51SR0480003

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
86 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 tee beam carrying FAP 48 over Sweetwater Branch in Lewis County, Tennessee. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1973, so it is 92 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 615 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 984 by 2042. The structure is 86 ft (26.1 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 48
CrossesSweetwater Branch
Location4.9 Mi.E.Of Perry County
RouteState Highway 48
CountyLewis County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.49757, -87.63429
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
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating20.4 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length86 ft (26.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic615 (2021)
Projected traffic984 by 2042
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$718,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 48 over Sweetwater Branch built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

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 86 ft (26.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 48 over Sweetwater Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.