US Bridges

FAU 307 over Oostanaula Creek

Poor

McMinn County, Tennessee · In Athens City Limits · Structure no. 54S43200001

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
50 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,813
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 307 over Oostanaula Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAU 307 over Oostanaula Creek in McMinn County, Tennessee. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 4,813 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,502 by 2041. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 307
CrossesOostanaula Creek
LocationIn Athens City Limits
RouteState Highway 307
CountyMcMinn County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.44826, -84.58417
Functional classUrban Collector

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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating60.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.4 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,813 (2021)
Projected traffic6,502 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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$616,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 307 over Oostanaula Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 307 over Oostanaula 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 307 over Oostanaula Creek carry?

About 4,813 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FAU 307 over Oostanaula Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 307 over Oostanaula Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.