US Bridges

FAP 48 over Rockhouse Creek

PoorPosted for load

Lewis County, Tennessee · .73 Mi.Sw.Of Hohenwald · Structure no. 51SR0480007

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
114 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,640
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 48 over Rockhouse Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAP 48 over Rockhouse Creek in Lewis County, Tennessee. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1973, so it is 94 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,640 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,224 by 2042. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 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
CrossesRockhouse Creek
Location.73 Mi.Sw.Of Hohenwald
RouteState Highway 48
CountyLewis County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.52988, -87.57587
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 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 rating20.4 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,640 (2021)
Projected traffic4,224 by 2042
Trucks6%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.6 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 48 over Rockhouse Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

What condition is FAP 48 over Rockhouse Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 48 over Rockhouse Creek carry?

About 2,640 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FAP 48 over Rockhouse Creek?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 48 over Rockhouse Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.