US Bridges

FAS 138 over Big Black Creek

Good

Madison County, Tennessee · In Mercer · Structure no. 57SR1380009

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
103 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
866
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 138 over Big Black Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAS 138 over Big Black Creek in Madison County, Tennessee. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 866 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,278 by 2041. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 64 mi (103 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 138
CrossesBig Black Creek
LocationIn Mercer
RouteState Highway 138
CountyMadison County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.48244, -89.04383
Functional classRural Major 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.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 rating61.8 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic866 (2021)
Projected traffic1,278 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed64 mi (103 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$722,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 138 over Big Black Creek built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 138 over Big Black Creek 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does FAS 138 over Big Black Creek carry?

About 866 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 138 over Big Black Creek?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 138 over Big Black Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.