US Bridges

FAS 261 over White Oak Creek

Fair

Macon County, Tennessee · 1.67 MI E of Lafayette · Structure no. 56S61380003

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
46 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,909
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 261 over White Oak Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAS 261 over White Oak Creek in Macon County, Tennessee. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 2,909 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,717 by 2041. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 261
CrossesWhite Oak Creek
Location1.67 MI E of Lafayette
RouteState Highway 261
CountyMacon County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.5325, -85.9923
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionAugust 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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,909 (2021)
Projected traffic3,717 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$284,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 261 over White Oak Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 261 over White Oak Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does FAS 261 over White Oak Creek carry?

About 2,909 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 261 over White Oak Creek?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 261 over White Oak Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.