US Bridges

FAU 4534 over Southern Railroad

Good

McMinn County, Tennessee · In Athens City Limits · Structure no. 540Z0050001

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
145 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,452
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 4534 over Southern Railroad is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAU 4534 over Southern Railroad in McMinn County, Tennessee. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,452 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,803 by 2041. The structure is 145 ft (44.3 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesFAU 4534
CrossesSouthern Railroad
LocationIn Athens City Limits
RouteCity Street 4534
Coordinates35.43742, -84.62932
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length145 ft (44.3 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.8 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,452 (2021)
Projected traffic6,803 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$553,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 4534 over Southern Railroad built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 4534 over Southern Railroad in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 4534 over Southern Railroad carry?

About 4,452 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FAU 4534 over Southern Railroad?

The structure is 145 ft (44.3 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.8 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 4534 over Southern Railroad?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.